The New York Blood Center’s annual “Blood for a Brew” campaign is returning this month, with the Greenport Harbor Brewery hosting a local blood drive on Aug. 5, from noon to 6 p.m. at its Peconic location at 42155 Main Road.

The event is part of the blood center’s monthlong campaign, which runs Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 and offers everyone who donates blood at a participating donor center or mobile blood drive a voucher redeemable for a free beverage at one of more than 60 participating breweries, pubs and coffee shops across New York and New Jersey.

The campaign, now in its fifth year, has expanded in 2026 to include coffee shops in addition to breweries.

The blood center said the campaign comes at a particularly critical time. It recently declared its second blood emergency of the summer after the regional blood supply fell to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials said blood centers nationwide are also facing shortages, with type O blood especially needed.

“August is traditionally one of the most challenging times of year for the blood supply, and this summer has been especially difficult as extreme weather has disrupted blood donations across our region,” Jeannie Mascolino, vice president of operations at the New York Blood Center, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly grateful to the local breweries, pubs and coffee shops partnering with us to spread the word. It’s a fun way to thank our donors while supporting the small businesses that make our communities so special.”

Blood donors are eligible to donate every 56 days, while platelet donors may donate up to twice a month. The blood center also noted that recent changes to FDA guidance mean more people may now be eligible to donate.

Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-933-2566, scanning the bar code above or visiting the New York Blood Center’s website.