NJ Health Department urges heat safety as second heat wave arrives, blood supply remains critically low
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions as another heat wave brings dangerously high temperatures across the state while also encouraging eligible residents to donate blood amid a critical shortage.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington said the latest stretch of extreme heat follows a deadly early July heat wave and serves as a reminder that high temperatures pose serious health risks.
“We cannot overstate how important it is to take extreme heat seriously, no matter how young or old, healthy or not,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. “Too many lives were lost during the most recent extreme heat weather event. We must all remain vigilant and follow heat safety precautions during periods of dangerously high temperatures.”
The department recommends staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, checking on neighbors and vulnerable individuals, never leaving children, people with disabilities or pets in parked vehicles, recognizing the signs of heat-related illness, and seeking emergency medical assistance by calling 911 when necessary. Residents without air conditioning are encouraged to locate a cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or visiting nj211.org.
According to the department, New Jersey emergency departments recorded 387 heat-related visits between July 1 and July 4, involving people of all ages. Officials are also preliminarily reporting 29 suspected heat-related deaths during that period.
Health officials said older adults, people living alone, individuals experiencing homelessness, those without air conditioning, people with chronic medical conditions, individuals taking certain medications, outdoor workers, workers in unairconditioned indoor environments, and infants and children face an increased risk of heat-related illness.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to promote heat safety, strengthen preparedness efforts, and help protect the health and well-being of all residents, visitors, and animals in New Jersey during periods of extreme weather,” added Commissioner Washington. “Beyond the immediate health threat posed by dangerous heat, it’s important to remember that extreme weather tends to create additional disruptions that can have less visible but far-reaching impacts on our communities.”
The department also warned that New Jersey’s blood supply remains critically low after recent heat waves, severe storms and power outages led to canceled blood drives and reduced donations. New Jersey Blood Services has declared a state of emergency, while the American Red Cross has declared a national emergency blood shortage.
Officials noted that blood products, including whole blood, platelets and plasma, have limited shelf lives and cannot be manufactured. One whole blood donation takes about an hour and can help save up to three lives.
Eligible donors can schedule appointments through organizations including the American Red Cross, Hunterdon Health, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, New York Blood Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Vitalant.
Most New Jersey residents who are at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood.
Additional heat safety information is available at nj.gov/heat.
