New Jersey has extended its blood shortage emergency for another two weeks, as the state continues to grapple with the impact of severe winter weather that has disrupted life-saving donations.
The American Red Cross is stepping in to alleviate the crisis by offering $20 gift cards to donors who schedule appointments to give blood or platelets between now and Wednesday. The organization had initially declared the emergency on January 6, citing a 40% decline in donations following the winter holidays and lingering effects of the flu season.
The shortage has left New Jersey's 200 hospitals with less than a two-day supply of resources, according to Jeannie Mascolini, vice president of blood operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services. "This storm could not have come at a worse time," she said. "We were just starting to rebuild the blood supply when nearly 2,000 lifesaving donations were lost in a matter of days."
The crisis highlights the importance of regular blood donations, with eligible individuals able to donate every 56 days as long as they are in good health and feeling generally well. Donors can schedule appointments online or by calling 1-800-933-2566.
With winter storm Fern covering a vast area of the country, over 7,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected due to cancelled blood drives, leaving patients with essential medical needs without adequate supplies. "Patients don't get a snow day," Mascolini emphasized. "Surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover."
The American Red Cross is stepping in to alleviate the crisis by offering $20 gift cards to donors who schedule appointments to give blood or platelets between now and Wednesday. The organization had initially declared the emergency on January 6, citing a 40% decline in donations following the winter holidays and lingering effects of the flu season.
The shortage has left New Jersey's 200 hospitals with less than a two-day supply of resources, according to Jeannie Mascolini, vice president of blood operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services. "This storm could not have come at a worse time," she said. "We were just starting to rebuild the blood supply when nearly 2,000 lifesaving donations were lost in a matter of days."
The crisis highlights the importance of regular blood donations, with eligible individuals able to donate every 56 days as long as they are in good health and feeling generally well. Donors can schedule appointments online or by calling 1-800-933-2566.
With winter storm Fern covering a vast area of the country, over 7,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected due to cancelled blood drives, leaving patients with essential medical needs without adequate supplies. "Patients don't get a snow day," Mascolini emphasized. "Surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover."
. Can you believe it's been 2 weeks already since they first declared the emergency? I mean, what's going on with people not being able to donate blood on time? 
And now they're extending it for another 2 weeks? That's just cruel. The American Red Cross is trying to help with gift cards and all, but come on... $20 isn't even enough to cover the cost of a pint of blood, let alone the emotional toll of knowing your donation could've saved someone's life 
. And poor Jeannie Mascolini is just saying "this storm couldn't have come at a worse time". Like, what's the point of even having winter? Can we just get some decent weather already? 
I mean what even is the point of having 200 hospitals if they cant get enough blood lol seriously though how do u expect ppl to donate with all these cancellations? and dont even get me started on those 7k donations that went uncollected like whats the deal with that? so many people are suffering because ppl are too scared to give blood now 
we need more people to come forward & help out n jess the american red cross is doing a good job w/ those $20 gift cards tho lets all do our part & donate ASAP 
The American Red Cross offering $20 gift cards to donors is a good start, but we need more solutions to this problem ASAP 
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. Patients' lives are at risk here & it's our responsibility as citizens to help out 
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We need more ppl stepping up to donate & support these hospitals during this crisis 
. This winter storm Fern might be bad news, but we can turn it into something positive by donating blood & helping those in need 
I'm so down for people giving more blood, 'cause it's literally life-saving, but at the same time... have you seen the prices of bus tickets lately? $20 is like, super cheap, you feel me? 
On one hand, we need blood donations ASAP, but on another hand... what if people just stop donating 'cause they're worried about the $20? 
200+ 2-day supply? That's bad 
i mean i get it, severe weather disrupts everything, but 200 hospitals w/ less than a 2-day supply of resources?! 
which is super cool! 
and i love how jeannie mascolini is keepin it real, like "patients don't get a snow day" lol 
u gotta donate blood every 56 days, it's not that hard ppl 
And now the Red Cross is offering $20 gift cards to donors... it feels like they're trying to bribe us or something 
. I mean, patients are counting on this stuff... no wonder there's a shortage 
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. Can't these hospitals just get some backup supplies or something? Is it too much to ask for a little bit of planning and foresight? 
the blood shortage in NJ is already bad enough but now it's getting worse with all these cancellations due to winter weather... 200 hospitals with less than a 2-day supply of resources? that's crazy! 
. Let's make sure we're showing up when it matters most, even if it's not always easy or convenient. We never know when someone might need us to save their life 
And now they're relying on $20 gift cards to get people to donate blood? It's like throwing money at a problem instead of addressing the underlying issue. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad someone's stepping in to help, but can't we find a more sustainable solution? 
20 bucks isnt gonna make a diff tho 
Seriously though, regular donations are key - every 56 days can make a big difference! Should we all be donating more often to avoid this crisis in the future? 
. Regular donations are a big help, btw - even if it's every 56 days, it makes a difference 
this is so concerning! I mean, who expects winter weather to hit during the worst time possible? 200 hospitals with less than a two-day supply of resources? That's crazy! 
️. And I love how Jeannie Mascolini puts it - patients don't get a snow day! 
️. It's all about being prepared and taking care of each other, right?