Shortage in NJ as Blood Supplies Drop

Jersey residents are being urged to donate blood and save lives.

Amid a severe and chronic blood shortage in the Garden state, Assemblywoman Donna Simon has organized a blood drive -scheduled for 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Friday, August 31^st,  at the Old Mikasa Store, 95 Main Street, in Flemington.

She says “there is a constant need for blood, especially when you consider that nine out of 10 New Jerseyans will need it during their lives, we can all pitch in to help save lives.”

The state Department of Health has been encouraging employers to schedule blood drives because the state faces a severe and chronic blood shortage. Only 3-point-6 percent of Jersey residents donates regularly – which is below the national average of 5 percent. Other states that have sent blood to New Jersey are now experiencing their own shortfalls, according to the Health Department.

Donors can schedule an appointment by contacting the American Red Cross.