January is Blood Donor Month in New Jersey
TRENTON – As Blood Donor Month draws to a close, the New Jersey Department of Health urges residents to help save lives by donating blood. Governor Murphy proclaimed January 2025 as Blood Donor Month in New Jersey, building on a 50-year tradition of honoring voluntary blood donors and encouraging more people to donate blood at a time of year when blood supplies are historically low.
The Governor’s proclamation comes as blood banks that collect and distribute lifesaving blood and blood products are facing shortages in New Jersey and as donations around the country have declined. Officials at New Jersey Blood Services declared a blood emergency last week after seeing donations drop by 30% in recent weeks, leaving critical blood types like O-negative and B-negative at dangerously low levels – just a one-to-three-day supply. That echoes a national emergency declared by the American Red Cross last August after the organization’s blood inventory dropped by 25%.
While seasonal challenges regularly affect donation rates – from summer heat and vacations to winter weather and illness – the current shortage is particularly concerning for the health care system.
"Any one of us might need a blood transfusion someday – whether it's for a planned surgery, an unexpected emergency, or a critical illness," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. "Giving blood is one of the most powerful ways to help our neighbors. Each donation can save up to three lives – that's three families who might get a second chance because someone took an hour to give blood."
Governor Murphy’s Blood Donor Month proclamation noted volunteer blood donors are the foundation for ensuring that a safe and stable supply of blood products is available to help meet the medical needs of patients in our communities, yet fewer than 5% of New Jerseyans old enough to donate participate in a blood drive in a year. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. The need is particularly critical for Type O-negative blood, as it is the universal blood type used in trauma situations.
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.
Blood products cannot be manufactured, and they have a limited shelf life. For example, red blood cells must be used within 42 days, and platelets within just seven days, making regular donations essential to maintain adequate supplies.
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
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.
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. Today, that mission remains as vital as ever.
The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 5,500 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.
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