New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) says it’s putting out a call for blood donors following the winter storm that resulted in a drop in blood donations amid a blood emergency in the region.

March marked three years of the pandemic, which devastated the country and continues to impact the blood supply. The behavior of donors has ultimately changed since March 2020 and corporate, school and college blood drives have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

"We are so grateful to those who came out and donated blood last week when we announced the blood shortage,” said Senior Vice President at New Jersey Blood Services Andrea Cefarell. “The nor'easter has put us back even after all the donations that came in last week when we issued the initial call. This weather has caused donors to cancel their appointments and our partners to postpone blood drives. Please, if you can, come out and donate blood. One hour of your time can save a life."

Those who donate blood can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time.