The New York Blood Center, which serves hospitals in northern New Jersey, has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in donations over the past few weeks. The center is currently 2,100 pints short of what area hospitals require, a shortfall that is typical during the summer season when demand for transfusions increases due to trauma incidents, including car accidents.
The shortage is particularly concerning as the summer months, often referred to as 'trauma season', see a rise in injuries that may require blood transfusions. All blood types are urgently needed, but types A and B are in especially high demand.
The New York Blood Center operates a donation center in Paramus, New Jersey, and plans to open a new location in Montvale on July 23rd. The American Red Cross also hosts blood donation events across the area.
This is the second blood emergency declared by the New York Blood Center this year, with the previous one announced in January following a holiday season of low donor turnout and inclement winter weather.
To donate blood, individuals can visit the New York Blood Center's website or call 1-800-933-2566 to schedule an appointment.