Because of the pittance of a salary that hospital residents receive, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are on heavy rotation in the Gothamist Health lunch (and, sadly, dinner) schedule. So we were especially saddened to hear that the latest food contamination scare centers around Peter Pan and Great Values brands' peanut butter. Almost 300 people in 40 states have fallen ill from the salmonella that has somehow found their way into jars of the stuff. more ›

Yesterday, there were a few articles about the metropolitan area's blood shortage. Today, We got an email from the New York Blood Center explaining how serious a problem this is:

NYC is experiencing one of its worst blood shortages ever. Currently we have less than a 2 day supply of 0- and B- blood and other types are not looking much better. The New York Blood Center, which distributes blood to almost all hospitals in the metropolitan area, is beginning to ration certain blood types and some hospitals forecast that they will have to cancel non-essential surgeries if there is not an increase in donations. more ›

- Transportation Alternatives will be handing out "commuter packs" (a water bottle, NYC bike map, their Guide to Taking Back the Streets, TA membership info, and information on winning a new Fuji bicycle) at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge this evening. And have you checked out their Bike the Strike action? more ›

The New York Blood Center says blood donations has lagged behind patient demand winter. Visit a NY Blood Center to donate blood. more ›