The state government shutdown of all inessential state services has put a squeeze on local blood supplies, causing the Community Blood Council of New Jersey to make urgent requests for blood donations, according to blood council officials.
Local agencies rely heavily on state workers for donations, especially during the summer months, said Sue Robbins, Community Blood Council spokeswoman.
A blood drive at the Department of Corrections for today has been canceled, which the council was depending on for 20 percent to 25 percent of its supplies this week, Robbins said. The council is also counting on drives at the Department of Transportation next week and at the Department of Motor Vehicles the week of July 16. Robbins estimates those drives would also have accounted for 20 to 25 percent of weekly supplies.
"The situation is quite grave, as this could put the blood supply for our area hospitals in jeopardy. We are begging our area civic organizations, churches and synagogues to pick up the slack," according to Robbins, who said blood type O positive is most in demand right now.
She said state workers typically understand the needs in the state and that the workers are needed even more in the summer months, with schools being closed and employees at many businesses on vacation.
"We have about a day and half worth of supplies right now. If gas stations said they only had one and a half days of gas left, there would be an uproar," Robbins said.
Give Life; Give Blood. Here is a list of blood drives by county, or visit the Red Cross and enter your zip code to find a local collection center.
No comments:
Post a Comment