NJ Going Through Severe Blood Shortage: Here’s Where To Donate

New Jersey is once again facing a critical blood shortage and there is a desperate need for blood donations.

American Red Cross New Jersey Region explains that the blood shortage is due to the busy holiday season and that it is normal for there to be fewer donations.

However, there were at least 500 fewer volunteer blood drives this year than what is required to provide blood for the Garden State. .

It is estimated that there is less than two days of blood supply left.

All blood types and components are needed but there is definitely a need for blood platelets and Blood Type 0, the universal donor.

“Lifesaving medical treatments and emergencies never take a holiday,” Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in a statement. “Declines in donations can affect patient care. That’s why the Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to make an appointment to give now and help those sidelined by illness and trauma.”

Here are the blood drives happening in South Jersey:

Wednesday, January 8th
American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter
1540 W. Park Avenue, Tinton Falls
3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Wednesday, January 8th
Metuchen Public Library
480 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchenb
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Thursday, January 9th
Ocean County Library
101 Washington Street, Toms River
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wednesday, January 15th
Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River
290 Route 37 East, Toms River
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Thursday, January 16th
CentraState Medical Center
901 West Main Street, Freehold
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 18th
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1500 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Sunday, January 19th
Knights of Columbus
15 E. Lacey Road, Forked River
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Friday, January 17th
Middletown Township Public Library
55 New Monmouth Road, Middletown
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

You can also search for additional blood drives in your area by clicking HERE.

If a significant number of people DO NOT donate, then hospitals are going to have to prioritize the use of their blood supply. This means that non-emergency surgeries will have to be postponed or canceled so the blood can help those in critical need.

To donate to Red Cross, you can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

You can also check out the original article at NJ.com.

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