Less than two months after Lakewood held its annual Gary Letizia Memorial Blood Drive, local EMS agencies are organizing another blood drive on Monday, October 5, in response to a critical shortage affecting the region’s blood supply.

Officials say the recent nor’easter forced the cancellation of multiple blood drives and caused a sharp decline in donations, leaving available supplies below current hospital demand.

New Jersey Blood Services reached out to Lakewood EMS Director Crystal Van de Zilver for assistance, prompting Lakewood EMS and Lakewood First Aid to organize the additional drive on short notice.

“Saving lives comes in many forms, and one simple blood donation can save as many as three lives,” Van de Zilver said, encouraging residents to participate.

The drive will be held at Lakewood EMS Headquarters, 1555 Pine Street, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Healthy donors age 18 and older are encouraged to participate, and all blood types are needed.

Each donor will receive a “Lifesaver” T-shirt while supplies last.

The blood drive is part of a statewide initiative led by Dr. Matt Letizia, medical director for Lakewood EMS and Lakewood First Aid, in memory of his late father, Gary Letizia, who benefited from blood donations during the final year of his life.