We Need You!
Help Rebuild the Blood Supply & Get a Mystery Gift Card

November 8, 2011

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Volunteer donors are needed to help replenish the blood supply with their lifesaving blood, platelet or plasma donations following the recent weekend storm. Anyone donating at a New Jersey or New York donor center on Tuesday November 8th will receive a Mystery gift card.

"In the aftermath of the storm, blood drives were canceled and donor turnout has been lower than usual,� said Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services.

Ferriday noted a large high school had to cancel its blood drive for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th because students have just returned to school following the storm. The cancellation has seriously impacted tomorrow�s collections, she said.

"We need all eligible donors to come out on Tuesday to help rebuild our supply to ensure blood is available this week when needed by patients in our community hospitals,� Ferriday said. "Your blood donation could save up to three lives.�

In New Jersey, donors can donate whole blood, platelets or plasma Tuesday at the Paramus donor center, 970 Linwood Avenue West, 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. or at the Lincoln Park donor center, 63 Beaverbrook Road, Suite 304, from 1 to 6:30 p.m.

New York donors can donate whole blood tomorrow at the New Windsor donor center, 575 Hudson Valley Avenue, Suite 206, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Ferriday volunteer blood donations are critically needed because there currently is less than a two-day supply of blood on the shelves. All blood types, especially Type O negative, and products like platelets and plasma are needed to rebuild the supply after the storm. Platelet donations are only collected at the New Jersey donor centers.

Call toll free 866-228-1500 or click here to make an appointment to donate. Walk-ins are welcome but an appointment is needed to donate platelets.

Community Blood Services provides blood and blood products to more than 25 hospitals in New Jersey and New York.

Whole blood donors must be 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors also receive complimentary health screenings, including non-fasting screenings for cholesterol and glucose.