February’s frigid temperatures and recent ice storm have
worsened what was already a serious shortage of blood in the region. The
blood supply at Community Blood Services is 50 percent below what is
needed to meet current hospital demands for this month.
Community Blood Services – one of the largest blood suppliers in New
Jersey and New York – cites cold temperatures (which discourage people
from venturing out to give blood) and winter viruses and other
sicknesses (people can’t give blood if they aren’t feeling well) as
reasons for the shortfall. In addition, an ice storm which hit the area
in mid-February forced cancellation of several scheduled blood drives
and the closure of two donor collection centers.
The blood center needs at least 1,500 additional blood donors to make up
the shortfall for February. Community Blood Services is urging anyone
who can give blood to donate. People need to be healthy, between the
ages of and 17-75 in New Jersey and 16-75 in New York, and weigh at
least 110 pounds.
Donor centers are located in Paramus, Lincoln Park, and other areas
throughout northern New Jersey and in Goshen and Warwick in New York.
Walk-ins are welcomed but donors can also call to schedule an
appointment. For information, hours and directions call 201-251-3703 in
New Jersey or 845-294-3362 in New York or
click HERE for
Locations.
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