Shore Blood Shortages Near Critical Stage

Cancelled clinics during the cold snap and snow of the past week or so have left blood supplies in dire shape, say officials, who are asking anyone eligible to push a donation date to the top of their calendars.

According to Anthony Chiaravallo at Central Jersey Blood Center, they're in their own type of perfect storm at their centers in Shrewsbury, Howell and Toms River.

"Number one was the holiday season, which always has a slowdown in blood collection," he told us this morning. "Once the string of cold weather hit, it was causing a few drives to be cancelled. Also, the cold weather that's gripping the Midwest has prevented us from importing blood to the state."

All types are needed. The most critical shortages are "O" positive and negative, "A" positive and "B" negative.

Shrewsbury and Howell sites are open today, Toms River reopens tomorrow. The organization has scheduled emergency drives Sunday at Saint Martha's Church, Point Pleasant; and Monday and next Friday at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Listen to Tom Mongelli's conversation with Anthony Chiaravallo