PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to widespread influenza throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region reports a severe decline in blood donations this month. The Penn-Jersey Region has experienced a shortage of 1,600 donations in the last two weeks.

"We are alarmed at the recent low blood collections and greatly concerned about an impending blood shortage," said Brigid O'Neill-LaGier, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross, Penn-Jersey Region. "We've learned anecdotally through discussions with blood drive hosts, and through cancellation calls from donors, that the flu is preventing people from giving blood."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Pennsylvania and New Jersey as having "widespread" flu activity for the week ending February 11. CDC classifies a state "widespread" when outbreaks of influenza occur in at least half the regions of the state - the highest of the five CDC activity levels.

Each day, the Penn-Jersey Region expects to collect about 1,000 units of blood through mobile blood drives and community donor centers. However, that goal has been not been achieved on any day since the beginning of February. To meet the needs of hospitals, doctors, and patients in our area, the American Red Cross is relying on a strong and immediate response from the community this week.

If you have considered donating blood, yet never had, now is the time. Regular donors and new donors are all being called upon to help now by making and keeping an appointment to donate blood. People who are 17 years and older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in general good health are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Donors who have the flu should wait until they have recovered completely before giving blood.

You can make an appointment at any one of nearly 200 weekly bloodmobiles sponsored by business and community groups in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, or at one of nine community donor centers. Donors must bring appropriate identification such as a driver's license or American Red Cross donor card.

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