Video Transcript

Poonam Alaigh, MD, MSHCPM, FACP, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health

Hello, I am Doctor Poonam Alaigh, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health.

New Jersey faces a chronic blood shortage, and I am asking everyone to take a few minutes out of their day to donate blood. 

As a physician, I routinely see the necessity and the benefits of blood donations for surgeries, accident victims and cancer patients.  There is no substitute for blood, and your donation can help save lives.

Donating blood is so important.

• Nine out of 10 people will need blood at some time in their lives.
• Hospitals need blood every day.
• And a single donation can actually save up to three lives.

The Department of Health along with our partners in the New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition and blood centers across the state are working together to increase community and workforce blood drives that will make blood donation easier and more convenient. 

Anyone who is at least 16-years of age, is healthy and weighs more than 110 pounds will most likely qualify to donate blood and help save lives.  For more information on blood donations please visit: njsave3lives.com.

Thank you.

Back to Video Page