Because Hurricane Isabel and its effects may make access for blood donation difficult for several days, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. urges state residents to call their local blood bank and make an appointment to donate blood before or after the storm.

“Blood supplies may be negatively impacted by the storm. Please consider donating blood now to maintain the supply during the period when extreme weather and its effects impede travel to blood banks,’’ said Dr. Lacy.

The state's blood banks have an average of one-half to a four-day supply, according to a survey of blood centers conducted today. Type O Blood and platelets are critically needed. A five-day supply is considered adequate.

Those interested in donating blood, should call one of the centers listed below.

American Red Cross/Penn Jersey Region
1-800-GIVELIFE (1-800-448-3543)

Bergen Community Blood Center
970 Linwood Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
1-201-444-3900

Blood Center of New Jersey
45 South Grove Street
East Orange, New Jersey 07018
1-800-433-6522

Central Jersey Blood Center
494 Sycamore Avenue
Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702
1-732-842-5750

Community Blood Council of New Jersey
1410 Parkside Avenue
Ewing, New Jersey 08638
1-609-883-9750

NBAH Blood Center
Clinical Academic Building
125 Paterson Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
1-732-937-8594

Miller Memorial Blood Center
1465 Valley Center Parkway
Bethlehem, PA 18017
1-800-223-6667

New Jersey Blood Services/ New York Blood Center Division
167 New Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
1-800-933-2566