N.J. Blood Services to hold blood drive May 24 New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, will conduct a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 24 at the Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River. NJBS has issued a critical need for blood as area hospitals are operating at a 15 percent deficit in their blood supply. While NJBS has not yet cut back on shipments to the 60 area hospitals it supplies with blood products and services, they are preparing for future emergency needs. According to NJBS Executive Director Charles Grossenbacher, "Traditionally, blood collections drop during cold and flu season, not only in New Jersey but throughout the country, and shortages become acute.We are currently experiencing a 15 percent deficit in our blood supply." He said that in the state of New Jersey, more than 70,000 units of blood had to be imported from other U.S. blood centers just to meet local hospital patients' needs. "Patients in our area hospitals rely heavily on blood collected in other states to make up for the lack of adequate donations right here in New Jersey," he said, adding, "Everyone has an obligation to donate if they qualify." Qualified donors should be 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Donors must present photo or signed ID and know their social security number. Donors over 75 years of age can also keep donating with their physician's note. Nationwide, 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet only 2 percent actually give. Everyday in the U.S., approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities to treat patients with cancer and other diseases, to support organ transplant recipients and accident and trauma victims. "When you consider that every three seconds, someone in this country needs blood, you can better understand the urgency of our needs," Grossenbacher added. He said that currently there is a shortage of O negative and B negative blood types and urges any one who can help to save lives to make an appointment to donate today. To make an appointment to donate blood or for medical eligibility questions, call (800)-933-2566.