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High demand, high gas prices and high summer temperatures have combined to form a triple threat sending blood supplies into the danger zone for Queens and City hospitals.

Declaring a blood emergency, Dr. Robert L. Jones, president of the New York Blood Center (NYBC) stated, “Summer is always a tough time, because people go away on vacation and aren’t available to donate.”

NYBC is concerned about meeting predictable patient needs, plus emergencies, including car crashes, complications during childbirth and emergency surgery. Some blood types are being rationed already with the prospect of more drastic measures should the shortage continue.

One of the biggest collection aids are the six mobile donor coaches servicing the five boroughs.

“The vans are great for getting into the communities where transportation may be an issue,” Leslie Gonzalez, NYBC spokeswoman, said. “They’re work horses. We use them every day.”

She praised the Met Life Foundation for a $160,000 grant in June to launch a bright red coach prominently featuring Met Life’s mascot, Snoopy, as well as for their hosting some on-site collections.

Servicing Queens and Long Island for more than 40 years, the Long Island Blood Services (LIBS) had a donor coach on Saturday in front of the Queens Center Mall, on Saturday.

“Ninety percent of the blood drives are in schools, which are closed for the summer. We have a shortage now with only a two-day supply on our shelves,” LIBS staffer Lorenzo said.

Mid-way through Saturday’s drive, which began at 12:30 p.m., Lorenzo declared, “So far, the turnout has been excellent and we collected 30 pints of blood. Our colorful buses are our best ad.”

“All healthy 16 year olds, with parental consent, up to those 75 years old can donate, but be sure to bring along a valid ID and social security number,” he said.

Becky Cruz was comfortably reclining, beginning to give blood.

“A few years ago, I needed a lot of transfusions in the hospital and now I’m giving it back,” she said. “This is my first time and there’s no pain, no dizziness, I feel fine. I encourage others to follow my example.”

Before giving, all donors receive mini-medical exams and information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. A blue uniformed young group awaited their turn to give. A customer specialist with Best Buy, Diana Chavez explained for her co-workers, “Our store hosted today’s event. We’re giving because people really need blood and we should contribute.”

“Vacations have hurt us and we badly need anyone with type O positive or negatives to come in,” Blood Donor Recruiter Sheila McGann said.

The Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th St. in Jamaica (718) 334-2022, has 10 drives a year, the next one scheduled for the end of October.

Schedules for the NYBC can be checked by calling (800) 933-2566 or at www.nybloodcenter.org.