Borough health officer calls for blood donations

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   The Princeton Regional Health Commission is urging residents to make giving blood a habit. According to Health Officer David Henry, the blood supply at the University Medical Center at Princeton "needs to be bolstered."
   According to a statement released by the Health Commission, if 310 people per month made a donation to the hospital’s blood donation center, the supply would be adequate.
   "It’s a good community thing to do," Mr. Henry said. "Blood is useful day to day and it’s also useful in an emergency."
   Mr. Henry said donating blood habitually ensures that there will be an adequate supply in the event of an emergency. "Now is a good time to encourage people to donate, so they are used to donating."
   Those between the ages of 17 and 70 years old who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Those 71 and older can donate blood, but need a doctor’s note to do so.
   For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the blood donation center at (609) 497-4366.