Whippany Rotary Steps Up to Help With Severe Blood Shortage

The Whippany Rotary Club, in partnership with Our Lady of Mercy Church has risen to the challenge of assisting with a severe blood shortage affecting our region due to the reduced number of blood drives and donors during the summer vacation and Labor Day holiday season.

At their recent community blood drive, held at Lady of Mercy Church, the turnout was excellent, demonstrating that even though many people are away during this time of year, there are still concerned citizens who are willing to take the time to help in this time of crisis.

In northern New Jersey, the typical blood supply is only 1-1/2 days. During vacation and holiday times, that supply can shrink to as low as ½ day. While 60% of the general population is eligible to give blood, only 2% of those eligible in our area actually donate. If only 1% more of the population would come out and give this “Gift of Life”, there would never be a blood shortage.

Over the years the criteria for eligibility has also changed. While certain prescription medications used to prevent you from donating blood, most no longer do. Diabetics who are well-balanced and under control are eligible as are most cancer patients who have been in remission for at least five years. People with a history of Lyme disease are also eligible to donate blood if their treatment has been completed and they are symptom-free for at least six months.

The Whippany Rotary Club is one of over 34,000 Rotary Clubs around the world. Rotary is the world’s oldest established international volunteer charitable organization. It is almost 110 years old, and has 1.2 million members in over 200 countries all over the globe.

Rotarians are men and women of all walks of life who come together to help improve the quality of life both locally and around the world, and have a good time doing it.

To learn more about Rotary in your community, call 1-844-ROTARY-3.