Hackensack University Medical Center President Joins Community Blood Services' Appeal for Blood Donors during Holiday Season

Dec./Jan. 2011

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Community Blood Services is urging its volunteer blood, platelet and plasma donors to schedule another lifesaving donation this holiday season before the year ends to ensure there is enough blood on the shelves for patients in its community hospitals.

Community Blood Services supplies blood to more than 20 hospitals in New Jersey and New York, and is the sole supplier to Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. HackensackUMC understands the importance of collecting enough blood and blood products during the holidays to meet the needs of seriously ill and injured patients at HackensackUMC and hospitals throughout the north Jersey region, says Robert Garrett, president and chief executive officer of HackensackUMC.

For that reason Mr. Garrett has joined with Community Blood Services in making an appeal to volunteer donors to take time out of their busy schedules to donate.

"The holiday season is one of the most joyous gift giving times of the year. Stores are having sales, and newspapers and television stations are enticing people to make holiday purchases. I have a gift-giving recommendation that I hope everyone will take seriously. It's one of the most precious, selfless and lifesaving gifts possible � donating blood," Garrett said.

"Our friends at Community Blood Services are asking for assistance as the need for blood is often more critical during this time of the year. Please take some time this holiday season to give the gift of life. There is no better gift this holiday season," Garrett added.

Donors can donate at Community Blood Services' Paramus or Lincoln Park donor centers in New Jersey or at the New Windsor donor center in New York; at conveniently located monthly blood drives; or at community mobile blood drives.

Donors can call toll free 866-228-1500 for hours, locations or to schedule an appointment to donate. They also can schedule online at www.communitybloodservices.com . Community groups, businesses, organizations, places of worship and schools also can help rebuild the supply by calling to schedule a blood drive.

"At this time of the year people are so busy traveling, shopping, and performing other holiday tasks that they forget the need for blood is ongoing. The need for blood and platelet donations does not take a vacation," said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services.

She said all blood types and products are in demand at this time of the year, including Type O negative which can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Platelets for cancer patients and plasma for trauma victims also are needed.

"If you are just too busy to donate or are away during the holidays, you can also schedule your next donation for early January during National Volunteer Blood Donor to help rebuild the post-holiday supply," Ferriday added. "Every few seconds someone needs blood. Your lifesaving donation can make the difference in someone's life."