New Jersey health officials warn of ‘unprecedented’ blood shortage

by Lilo H. Stainton, New Jersey Monitor

New Jersey is facing a blood shortage – part of a national dip in supplies – and the state’s health commissioner plans to roll up his sleeve and donate Tuesday in hopes that others will follow his lead.  

Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington is scheduled to visit the New Jersey Blood Services’ Freehold donor center Tuesday afternoon as part of an event to boost blood product donations statewide.

Washington said giving blood takes less than an hour and can save lives. 

“Donated blood is an essential part of healthcare New Jerseyans rely on, used for everything from routine surgeries and cancer treatments to trauma care. But blood and platelets can’t be manufactured — they come from generous donors who step up to help,” Washington said.

New Jersey is one of many states now facing a lack of blood products, state health officials said, noting warnings from the American Red Cross.  

The New York Blood Center, which operates New Jersey Blood Services, declared an “unprecedented” second blood emergency in early July after an initial shortage was announced around Memorial Day. Donors can find a location to give blood here.  

University Hospital’s Dr. Scott Pasichow, who teaches emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said he has yet to see the shortage impair emergency department operations or emergency response connected to the Newark hospital. 

“But if the blood banks are concerned, then it is only a matter of time. Donations now will keep us ready when blood is needed to save lives,” Pasichow told the New Jersey Monitor.  

Summer traditionally involves an increased need for blood products, since trauma cases rise as more people are traveling, boating, and active outdoors. This regularly coincides with a decline in donations, but the dip has been more pronounced this year, experts said.  

“August is traditionally one of the most challenging times of year for the blood supply, and this summer has been especially difficult as extreme weather has disrupted blood donations across our region,” Jeannie Mascolino, vice president of operations for the New York and New Jersey blood programs, said in a statement earlier this month.  

When the New York Blood Center announced the second blood emergency in early July — unprecedented in its 60-year history — blood supply in the region had fallen to approximately two days of products, far below the level needed to sustain the more than 200 hospitals, emergency response units, and labs that the center works with, according to the group. 

Bhishma Patel, the chief technologist at University Hospital’s blood center, said hospital officials proactively manage blood supply to ensure there’s enough for patients, increasing demand in advance of scheduled complex procedures.

The hospital also benefits from a diversified supply chain, with 60% of its products from the New York Blood Center and 40% from the Red Cross, she said.   

“This dual-supplier strategy further strengthens our ability to maintain a reliable blood inventory and support patient care during periods of regional or national blood shortages,” Patel told the New Jersey Monitor.