Residents urged to donate blood in summer

With the summer of 2006 upon us and the likelihood of a blood shortage in New Jersey, it can be a frustrating time for patients needing blood transfusions.

A few summers ago when New Jersey resident Hank Klehm was 14 and battling leukemia, the last thing he and his mom needed was to be stuck for hours in a hospital waiting for units of blood to arrive for his transfusion.

Unfortunately, during summer months there is every chance that such a shortage of blood could consume available hospital supplies and blood bank inventories. As a result, doctors and patients could be spending precious time waiting for special deliveries of urgently needed blood products.

In a proactive effort, New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is launching a campaign to remind blood donors to make appointments to donate blood during the summer months.

Hank is doing well today, thanks to over 100 blood transfusions, and he recently noted that he now has many more blood relatives and that their gift will last a lifetime. If you want to donate blood, please call (800) 933-2566 or go to www.nybloodcenter.org. Be a lifesaver. Donate blood this summer!

John Armitage, M.D.

executive director

New Jersey

Blood Services

New Brunswick