There’s about a two-day supply of blood for transfusions — and under a one-day supply of critical Type O — as busy summer travel and “trauma season” begin, according to New Jersey Blood Services, the American Red Cross, and the New York Blood Center.
New Jersey already declared a blood emergency following a 15% drop in donations, which resulted in 4,500 fewer units than needed in May alone. State and health officials are urging eligible residents to donate immediately as hospitals prepare for the high-demand summer “trauma season” and large-scale tourism events.
Blood products have a limited shelf life and cannot be manufactured, and the health care system relies on volunteer blood donors to ensure a safe and stable supply of blood products is available to help meet the medical needs of patients in our communities.
Individuals can donate different types of blood products essential for treating a wide array of medical needs:
- Whole blood donation, the most common type, takes about an hour and can be given every 56 days.
- Platelet donation, crucial for cancer patients and burn victims, can be given every seven days.
- Plasma donation, often used in trauma care, can be given every 28 days.
- Double red cell donation, allowing donors to give two units of red blood cells in one visit, can be given every 112 days.
How to Donate, Who is Eligible
Recent FDA guidelines have expanded donor eligibility, allowing more New Jerseyans than ever to give blood. Most individuals can donate whole blood every 56 days, and platelet donors can donate up to twice a month, according to NJ.gov.
New Jersey residents can check their eligibility and schedule an immediate donation appointment through New York Blood Center or by calling 1-800-933-2566.
For localized fixed-site donation centers in the northern New Jersey area (such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital), you can find a list of participating facilities on the RWJBarnabas Health Blood Donation page.
In Bergen County, New Jersey Blood Services operates at the Paramus Donor Center, 791 NJ-17 South. Book an appointment online via the New York Blood Center.
Individuals who are at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood in New Jersey.
Eligible New Jerseyans can learn more and make an appointment to give blood at a blood donation center or event near them:
- American Red Cross Services
- Hunterdon Healthcare
- Miller-Keystone Blood Center
- New York Blood Center
- RWJBarnabas Health
- Vitalant Blood Services
While some mobile drives occasionally accommodate walk-ins, appointments are strongly recommended to guarantee a quick donation process. You can check availability, fill out your health history forms, and secure your time slot directly on the respective booking platforms.
About Blood Donations
The NJDOH Blood Bank Licensing and Regulatory Compliance Program is responsible for protecting the health and safety of blood donors and transfusion recipients. It’s also responsible for ensuring the safe and effective collection and transfusion of blood and blood products as well as an adequate and safe blood supply in New Jersey.
The tradition of National Blood Donor Month began in 1970 to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation during historically challenging winter months.
NJBS, a division of the New York Blood Center, is a non-profit that supplies over 500,000 blood products to more than 150 hospitals across the region.
Tips for Your Visit
Most collection centers allow you to streamline the registration process by completing your pre-donation health history online (often called “RapidPass” or “FastTrack”) on the day of your appointment. Be sure to bring a photo ID and your insurance card, and remember to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal.
Eligible blood, platelet, or plasma donors who successfully give blood between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card of their choice and are automatically entered into a drawing to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, the Red Cross said.