WEST ORANGE, N.J. — RWJBarnabas Health is urging the public to donate blood and platelets during its annual Winter Blood Drive Appeal as supplies reach critically low levels. The healthcare network is hosting multiple blood drives throughout January and February to replenish dwindling reserves, particularly for single-donor platelets and Type O blood, which are vital for trauma patients, childbirth complications, cancer treatments, and other emergencies.
The shortage is being compounded by typical winter challenges such as inclement weather, seasonal illnesses like the flu and RSV, and the holiday season. “Blood collection during the winter months is always challenging,” said Sally Wells, Business Development and Community Liaison for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Blood Donor Services. “If any of these events happen, we could be in for a very challenging January. We celebrate and thank all the volunteer blood donors for their meaningful support and life-saving gifts.”
To help address the shortfall, RWJBarnabas Health has organized blood drives at various locations statewide. Upcoming drives include Jersey City Medical Center on January 16, Bradley Beach Recreation Center on January 21, and Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus on January 30. February locations include Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and the Knights of Columbus in Dunellen.
Platelet donors in January will receive a $25 gift card as a thank-you for their contributions. Donors must meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 16 years old with parental consent, weighing at least 110 pounds (120 pounds for those aged 16), and presenting photo identification.
For a full list of dates and locations or more information about donating, visit RWJBarnabas Health’s website. The network emphasizes the critical role blood donors play in saving lives during emergencies and medical treatments.
