IMPORTANT CHANGE IN BLOOD DONOR PROCEDURES:

Those with Recently-Applied Tattoos Eligible to Give Blood

Effective as of January 23rd

Ewing Twp., New Jersey…January 17, 2006...The Community Blood Council of New Jersey, Inc. (CBC-NJ) has just issued an important change in its procedures that affects potential donors with tattoos.  As of January 23, 2006, CBC-NJ will accept donors who have received tattoos, provided that the tattoos have been performed at a state-regulated tattoo facility.  Previously, there was a 1-year deferral for those who been tattooed.

"We are very excited to announce this change in our policy," comments Jim Gosnay, CEO of CBC-NJ. "state and AABB (American Association Blood Banks)  regulations now permit us to accept donors who have been recently tattooed by a state regulated facility.  This is especially encouraging, because FDA regulations have become more stringent over the past several decades, largely due to Hepatitis, AIDS and Creutzfeld-Jacob disease."

"It has become more and more difficult to recruit donors.  We have had many high school and college age students who have had the desire to donate, but who have been deferred for a year.  This new policy will enormously increase our blood collections."

Potential donors must provide proof that their tattoo was applied by a state-licensed facility, using a single use ink and single use needle.

For further information, please call CBC-NJ at its toll-free telephone number, 1-866-2GiveNJ or locally at (609) 883-9750.