While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products
“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Beth Toll of the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”
In the United States, every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.
“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming local blood donation opportunities July 25-Aug. 15
Central New Jersey Donor Center
707 Alexander Road, Suite 701, Princeton Township
Mondays: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (platelet pheresis)
Tuesdays: 12:30-7:30 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)Fridays: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)Saturdays: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (whole blood)
Middlesex County
East Brunswick, Aug. 10 from 1-6 p.m. at Wilkin & Guttenplan, 1200 Tices Lane
Edison, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., JCC, 1775 Oak Tree Road
Edison, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heritage at Clara Barton, 1015 Amboy Ave.
Parlin, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aquatics & Fitness Center, 333 Cheesequake Road
South River, July 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., VFW Post 1451, 31 Reid St.
Monmouth County
Colts Neck, July 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 1 Phalanx Road
Freehold, Aug. 3, 3-8 p.m., Adelphia Fire House No. 2, 993 Route 33
Neptune, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Word of Faith Church of God, 108 Fortunato Place
Ocean County
New Egypt, July 27, 3-8 p.m., New Egypt High School, 117 Evergreen Road
Toms River, Aug. 3, 2-7 p.m., TR Hotel, 290 Route 37 east
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.
