New Jersey Health Commissioner Gives Blood to Raise Awareness of Blood Shortage and Encourage Residents to Donate

TRENTON, NJ - Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) rolled up his sleeve to donate blood today to promote blood donation amid a shortage of blood products in New Jersey.

Dr. Washington donated whole blood at New Jersey Blood Services' Freehold Donor Center, and called on New Jerseyans to find out if they're eligible to donate and schedule an appointment to make a life-saving gift.

"Donated blood is an essential part of healthcare New Jerseyans rely on, used for everything from routine surgeries and cancer treatments to trauma care. But blood and platelets can't be manufactured-they come from generous donors who step up to help," said Commissioner Washington. "Right now, we encourage every eligible New Jerseyan to commit just one hour of their time to give blood and save lives."

"Maintaining a stable and healthy blood supply for our communities is a responsibility we all share, and we are grateful to Commissioner Washington for leading by example," said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations at New Jersey Blood Services. "We hope his lifesaving donation inspires eligible New Jersey residents to follow his lead, roll up their sleeves, and help ensure blood is available for every patient who needs it."

Right now, New Jersey's blood supply is worryingly low. Donations typically drop off in the summer, but this year New Jersey Blood Services has already had to declare two states of emergency after heat waves, severe storms, and power outages resulted in a significant drop in blood donations. The American Red Cross also declared an Emergency Blood Shortage nationally, citing an increased need for blood products compounded by low supplies.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. Most healthy New Jerseyans are eligible to donate blood, and it only takes an hour to make a whole blood donation. According to the American Red Cross, a single whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.

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 Jersey Blood Services
• RWJBarnabas Health
• Vitalant Blood Services

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.

Donations of Type O-negative and O-positive blood are especially critical right now. Type O-negative is the universal blood type most commonly 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.

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.

About New Jersey Department of Health

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 6,000 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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About New Jersey Blood Services

Founded in 1964, New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering approximately 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to nearly 200 hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NJBS is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which operates in 16 states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe's Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NJBS serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health.

To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.