Flanders Firefighters Sponsor Blood Drive on Feb. 26

Snow, cold weather during last two months have triggered a blood shortage, according to Community Blood Services. Flanders collections can save local lives.
By: Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad
 
FLANDERS, N.J. - Feb. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- Firefighters and emergency medical personnel of the Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad will respond to a different type of emergency by holding a blood drive at the Flanders firehouse, 27 Main St., Flanders. Slated from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 26, the drive will help address a major blood shortage triggered by storms over the past several weeks.

“The Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad is all about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Doug Fenichel, president of association that oversees the fire company. “This is another opportunity to do that. Like fighting a fire, donating blood can save a life.”

The blood drive will be conducted by Community Blood Services (http://www.communitybloodservices.org/), which supplies local and area hospitals with blood and blood products.  But the blood center reports that storms have made it difficult to keep up with demand in the area.

“We continue to have less than a one-day supply on our shelves because of the recent stormy weather,” Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services, said in a release.  “We urgently need blood donors so we can continue to meet the needs of patients in our community hospitals.”

Ms. Ferriday said Community Blood Services missed their goals for blood and products. She said 15 blood drives have been canceled during the past three weeks, resulting in a loss of nearly 600 units of blood. And because the shortage is nationwide, the blood bank hasn’t been able to import extra blood.

Fenichel said people can make a reservation by calling (201) 251-3703.

“We hope people will stop by and donate blood,” said Fenichel. “Reservations help Community Blood Services better accommodate donors, but even if you don’t call ahead, you’re welcome to stop by. Community Blood Services will accommodate you.”

The Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No. 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 45 members, all of whom receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, three ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home. For information about membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-7805 or click on http://www.flandersfire.org.

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Source:Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad
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Tags:Flanders Fire, Flanders EMS, Community Blood Services, Blood Drives, Mount Olive firefighters
Industry:Event, Health
Location:FLanders - New Jersey - United States
Subject:Events
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