Central Jersey Blood Center has issued an appeal for blood donors. All blood types are needed.
"We project less than a one-day supply of all blood types to last through the next several weeks," said Charles Grossenbacher, executive director of Central Jersey Blood Center.
According to a press release from the blood center, shipments of blood products to hospitals are being made on an emergency basis only. Currently there is less than a one-day supply of blood available. Winter weather, colds, flu and the holiday season have caused donations to drop. Blood transfusions are emergency medical treatments, critical to trauma and burn victims as well as to cancer, surgical and organ transplant patients.
Most healthy people who are 17 years of age or older and who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Most medications are acceptable.
Blood donations may be made at the Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 south, Howell; Toms River Donor Center, 931 Fischer Blvd. (Bellcrest Shopping Center), Toms River; or Central Jersey Blood Center, 494 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. For donation hours or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 842-5750, ext. 264.