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New Jersey Blood Services has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in donations following the holiday season. The state has seen a 30 percent decline in blood donations, resulting in 6,500 fewer donations, which has severely impacted the region's blood supply. Blood types O- and B-, crucial for trauma care and medical emergencies, are particularly low, with only a one-to-three-day supply remaining.
Michael Ghassali, the mayor of Montvale, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "New Jersey is facing a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent." Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center, attributed the decline to seasonal illnesses, poor weather, and a decrease in blood drives at schools and workplaces.
Cefarelli explained, "The months following the holiday season are always a difficult time for the blood supply."
New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston highlighted the importance of regular donors, noting that "each donation can save three lives." Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, and meet certain health and weight requirements. Blood can be donated every 56 days, while platelet donations can be made twice a month.