HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A community blood drive is scheduled in Hillsborough amid an emergency blood shortage.
The drive will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 1900 Brooks Blvd. in Hillsborough, on Monday, July 27, from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.
According to New York Blood Center, the regional blood supply has fallen to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization reported that just weeks after declaring a blood emergency around Memorial Day, it is again urging the public to donate blood because donor turnout has been significantly reduced.
New York Blood Center said the second emergency is tied to a combination of extreme heat, severe storms, prolonged power outages and ongoing storm cleanup.
The organization said overall blood inventory has dropped to approximately two days of supply, which is below the level needed to reliably support hospitals and patients across the region.
Type O-negative blood is especially needed, according to New York Blood Center, because supply stands at less than half a day.
"We prepare for seasonal challenges every year, but the combination of extreme weather, disrupted routines, and low national inventories has created an unprecedented situation," said Andrea Cefarelli, Chief Operating Officer, Blood & Laboratory Operations at New York Blood Center Enterprises. "Normally, when one region experiences shortages, blood centers across the country can help support one another. Unfortunately, blood inventories are low nationwide, limiting that safety net. We need our local communities to step forward now."
New York Blood Center reported it has never before declared two blood emergencies in a single summer.
The organization said it uses forecasting tools, donor engagement strategies, community partnerships and operational programs throughout the year to maintain a stable blood supply, but multiple factors have converged this summer and created added pressure on the region’s inventory.
According to New York Blood Center, every donation can help ensure blood is available for trauma victims, cancer patients, individuals living with sickle cell disease and thalassemia, transplant recipients, and patients undergoing surgeries or other lifesaving treatments.
The organization is asking healthy, eligible donors, especially those with Type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month, according to New York Blood Center.
The organization also said that, in light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-in donors are welcome. To view eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
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