newjerseynewsroom.com

As a result of Hurricane Irene, a number of blood donation drives throughout New Jersey had to be canceled and now New Jersey’s blood supply is getting tight.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services on Wednesday asked New Jerseyans to donate through their nearest blood center or the American Red Cross.

Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said hospitals and other health care facilities are in need of blood. “Recognizing continuing flood conditions and road closures, people who want to donate should call ahead to make sure your local blood center is open and make an appointment to give blood,” O’Dowd said. “If you have never donated before, now is the time to consider becoming a regular blood donor in your community.”

Most people age 16 and older who are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Donations of all blood types are needed, especially O negative blood because it is rare. People with this blood type are universal donors who can donate red blood cells to almost all the other blood types. O negative is the most preferred of all the blood types for cases involving emergencies, accidents and blood transfusion of babies and infants.

In New Jersey 60 percent of residents are eligible to donate blood, however only 3.6 percent donate on a regular basis.

People who want to schedule an appointment to donate blood or locate a blood drive can find a location near them by calling 1-800-Red Cross or by visiting: www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation. People may also contact any one of New Jersey’s blood centers by visiting: http://www.nj.gov/health/njsave3lives/centers.shtml. Any business interested in conducting a blood drive can contact an area blood center. For a Blood Drive Tool Kit, downloadable videos and other donor recruitment materials and a list of blood centers in New Jersey go to www.njsave3lives.com.

—TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM