New Jersey has extended its blood shortage emergency for another two weeks as severe winter weather, including Winter Storm Fern, severely impacted the country's blood supply. The storm caused approximately 200 blood drives to be cancelled over the weekend, resulting in over 7,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected.
The American Red Cross is stepping in to help mitigate the shortage by offering $20 gift cards to donors who give blood or platelets from now until Wednesday. This effort aims to encourage people to donate life-saving blood and platelets, particularly during this critical period.
The current blood shortage was declared on January 6 due to a 40% decline in donations following the winter holidays and lingering flu season impacts. The roughly 200 hospitals served by New Jersey Blood Services were left with less than a two-day supply of resources, highlighting the urgent need for additional donations.
To donate, individuals must be at least 16 years old and weigh over 110 pounds, while certain eligibility requirements apply to platelet or Power Red donations. Donors can find their nearest donation center by visiting the American Red Cross website or calling 1-800-933-2566.
The situation is described as critical by Jeannie Mascolini, vice president of blood operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services. "Patients don't get a snow day," she said. "Surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas, and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover." The American Red Cross is urging the public to step up and donate blood or platelets to support the recovery efforts and ensure a stable blood supply.
The American Red Cross is stepping in to help mitigate the shortage by offering $20 gift cards to donors who give blood or platelets from now until Wednesday. This effort aims to encourage people to donate life-saving blood and platelets, particularly during this critical period.
The current blood shortage was declared on January 6 due to a 40% decline in donations following the winter holidays and lingering flu season impacts. The roughly 200 hospitals served by New Jersey Blood Services were left with less than a two-day supply of resources, highlighting the urgent need for additional donations.
To donate, individuals must be at least 16 years old and weigh over 110 pounds, while certain eligibility requirements apply to platelet or Power Red donations. Donors can find their nearest donation center by visiting the American Red Cross website or calling 1-800-933-2566.
The situation is described as critical by Jeannie Mascolini, vice president of blood operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services. "Patients don't get a snow day," she said. "Surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas, and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover." The American Red Cross is urging the public to step up and donate blood or platelets to support the recovery efforts and ensure a stable blood supply.
this winter storm thingy has hit people hard... can't believe ppl are stuck at home while life-saving meds run out 
gotta give it up to American Red Cross for stepping in & offering those gift cards tho 
16+ yrs old, weighs over 110 lbs & eligible = donate blood or platelets ASAP 
" Like, I get it, storms are no joke, but 200 cancelled blood drives? That's just harsh 
. And now they're offering gift cards to donors? That's a good start, but what about the people who can't donate due to age or weight? 
It's not like they're asking for much, just a pint of their plasma or red blood cells to save some lives 
. And now we're talking about blood shortages again? It's like Groundhog Day, but with more needles and less Bill Murray 
.
. Maybe it's time for some real changes instead of just patching up the symptoms?
200 cancelled blood drives? over 7k donations uncollected?! it's crazy how severe winter weather can impact our blood supply like that 
but this time it's not just about personal safety, it's about patients needing life-saving blood & platelets 
maybe more people will consider donating, especially during this critical period 
I just wish we could do more to support our hospitals & healthcare workers 
i'm glad they're offering those $20 gift cards though, might get me to donate my plasma 
what's with the 200 cancelled blood drives tho? that's a lot of lives on hold 
hope it gets better soon 
and the American Red Cross is tryna help by givin $20 gift cards to donors who donate blood or platelets from now til weds 
but idk if it's enuf since like 7k donations went uncollected over wknd 
let's all just take a deep breath & support each other during this tough time 
let's all do our part and donate some blood or platelets to help get those hospitals back on their feet 
. it's not just about us, either - there are people out there who are literally counting on these donations to survive surgery, treatment, trauma... it's crazy