New Jersey Blood Services needs donors

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, is issuing an alert for blood and platelet donors. The unexpected spring heat wave and related storm damage has resulted in a 30 percent loss of blood and platelet donations projected for this time of year, according to a press release.

Each year, in New Jersey, more than 70,000 pints of blood must be imported from other U.S. blood centers just to meet local hospital patients' needs. It is anticipated that this year will be no different.

"Consequently, patients in our area hospitals must rely heavily on blood collected in other states to make up for the lack of adequate donations right here in New Jersey," said Chuck Grossenbacher, executive director of NJBS, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state.

"Traditionally, blood collections drop during the summer months not only in New Jersey but throughout the country, and shortages become acute," he noted. "However, because of the recent spring heat wave, we are forecasting a shortfall of about 1,000 pints of blood needed for patients through the end of August."

Grossenbacher said everyone has an obligation to donate blood at least once a year if they meet requirements. Qualified donors should be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Donors must know their Social Security number and present photo or signed identification when donating blood. Persons over 75 years of age can continue to donate with a physician's note.

"Nationwide, 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet in New Jersey only 2 percent actually give," he said. "Every day in the United States approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities to treat patients with cancer and other diseases, to support organ transplant recipients and accident and trauma victims."

For more information, call 800-933- BLOOD (2566) or log onto www.nybloodcenter. org.