Hazlet Volunteers Answer Call For Much-Needed Blood Donations

HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet Emergency Services is answering another call - that of the need for blood donation.

The country is currently experiencing a severe shortage of blood, according to the National Institutes of Health.

And the American Red Cross said it is facing an emergency blood shortage as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years.

"Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay," the agency said in January.

“A person needs lifesaving blood every two seconds in our country — and its availability can be the difference between life and death. However, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross.

That generosity is on view monthly right in Hazlet.

The fourth Monday of every month there is a blood drive at the North Centerville Volunteer Fire Company, 372 Middle Road. The Feb. 26 donation event runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hazlet Emergency Services volunteers, in collaboration with New Jersey Blood Services, recently celebrated a big milestone, marking the collection of over 3,000 units of blood since June 2020.

Hazlet Mayor Michael Sachs offered a Certificate of Appreciation to the volunteers on behalf of Hazlet Township.

Adults over the age of 18 can donate blood. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to six times a year. You should bring your I.D. with your name and photo.

And the Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800-688-0900.

Here are some blood donations facts from the National Institutes of Health:

• A single blood donation can save up to 3 lives.
• Only 3 percent of age-eligible individuals in the U.S. give blood each year.
• Most people fall into one of the four major blood types: A, B, AB, O. However, some people have rare blood types that fall outside the major groups, and for these patients, there is a need for a more diverse blood supply.
• African American blood donors are particularly important to patients with rare blood types who often need blood donated by someone with a similar race or ethnicity.

The next blood collection date, after February's, is March 25, and more follow after that.

You can walk in to donate, although appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.