Blood Drive at New Providence Memorial Library

Winter Storms Slam Blood Collection

Urgent Call for Post-Storm Donation Appointments

In Whole Blood and Platelets

January 12, 2011– New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of the New York Blood Center (NYBC) is calling upon the communities it serves, to please donate whole blood and platelets in the next few days, since major blood drives were cancelled due to yesterday’s snow storm and last week’s blizzard leaving blood supplies low in area hospitals.

Last week’s blizzard was responsible for the cancellation of many blood drives throughout the state, amounting to the loss of more than 2,000 units throughout the NYBC regions, leaving area hospitals with a depleted blood supply. An additional loss of 1,350 units, due to today’s cancellations, have added to the shortfall.

Blood donors are asked to please visit www.nybloodcenter.org  for the latest information regarding cancellations, and to call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) to make an appointment to donate.  Area businesses, local governments and community groups are also asked to step up and hold community blood drives this month.

Traditionally, blood is in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness.  Also, approximately 25% of the blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, most of which are closed for recess.

The need for blood is constant.  The shelf life of platelets is only five days; the shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days.  Hospital use of blood products remains high -- due to surgeries, emergencies and care of cancer patients.  About one in seven people entering a hospital will need blood.

NYBC takes very seriously its responsibility to provide a safe, adequate and reliable blood supply for the tri-state area.  By donating blood this week, organizations and individuals can help us maintain a safe, reliable and adequate blood supply throughout the winter season.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive,

Please call Toll Free:  1-800-933-2566
Visit:  www.nybloodcenter.org

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive.  NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer and winter months.  Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.  Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria.  People over 75 may donate with a doctor’s note.

About New York Blood Center:  New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the nation's largest non-profit, community-based blood centers. NYBC has been providing blood, transfusion products and services to hospitals serving more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.  NYBC is also home to the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and the National Cord Blood Program at the Howard P. Milstein National Cord Blood Center, the world's largest public cord blood bank.  NYBC provides medical services and programs (Clinical, Transfusion, and Hemophilia Services) through our medical professionals along with consultative services in transfusion medicine.

Please visit us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/newjerseybloodservices.  Follow us on Twitter: @NYBloodCenter.  And NJBleedsRed.