Mayor's Message: Blood Supply Shortage across the Garden State
Recently, it has come to my attention that the entire State of New Jersey is facing a critical need for blood donations as announced by NJBS (New Jersey Blood Services). This blood emergency is due to the ongoing fears of Covid-19 which is raging throughout communities in New Jersey. Of particular concern is the Delta Variant which is affecting more and more younger people. In my opinion, I believe that younger people may feel a sense of general invulnerability in that there is very little concern about being personally affected by pandemics, and other catastrophic health situations, etc.
For example, recently, it was reported that over 200 students from a New Jersey High School were exposed to the coronavirus at a homecoming dance. Without the inability to contact trace the event, students were nevertheless asked to quarantine for 10 days. I have to believe that many of these situations across the Garden State have occurred and continue to occur.
Due to these events, fears continue to mount about the dangerous Delta Variant leading to cancelled blood drives thereby dramatically reducing these life-giving donations. As the NJBS anticipated a rebound in blood supply donations once people became vaccinated that they would answer the calls for said donations. However, the Delta Variant soon came along and quickly stopped the expected supply recovery. In addition, very few donor appointments are being made at donor centers for the same reason. The shortage in blood supply has dropped in recent weeks from 6-8 days down to just 1 day for type O blood. For emergency transfusions, blood group type 0 (negative) blood is typically called the universal donor type because it has the lowest risk of causing serious reactions for most people who receive it.
Andrew Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director at New Jersey Blood Services stated, “A robust blood supply is essential for the healthcare system to function and we must do everything we can to strengthen it at this time of uncertainty. We are so grateful to our donors for continuing to show up and encourage everyone in the region to join them to ensure there’s enough blood for the thousands who need transfusion each day in New Jersey.”
Extra safety precautions are in place by these healthcare professionals to help prevent person-to-person infections of Covid-19 and the Variants.
Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org.
NYBC (New York Blood Center) is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world. This is a non- profit organization with operating divisions in many states including New Jersey.
Please be safe,
Mayor John L. Madden