New Jersey Blood Services Declares Blood Emergency

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) has declared a blood emergency following a sharp and sustained drop in local blood donations. To meet hospital demand amid this decline, NJBS has had to depend on blood donations from other parts of the country – an unsustainable fix for a region with some of the busiest hospitals in the nation.

Despite a population of approximately 9.5 million, only about 3% of New Jersey residents donate blood. To reliably meet patient needs, at least 4% of the population, about 380,000 active donors, is needed in New Jersey. Right now, the state is short by nearly 95,000 donors.

“If just 1% more New Jersey residents stepped up to give blood – about 95,000 new donors – we could cut the shortfall in half and bring real stability to our blood supply, especially as we prepare for emergencies and trauma season,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New Jersey Blood Services. “We urgently need the community’s help to rebuild the blood supply and prevent this situation from becoming more dire. Donating blood is one of the most direct and impactful ways to support our healthcare system and save lives.”

‘Trauma Season’ Poses Additional Critical Risk to New Jersey’s Blood Supply

This blood emergency is being declared due to less than a 1–2 day supply of critical blood types across the region. This puts patients at risk — from trauma victims and surgery patients to those undergoing cancer treatment or facing life-threatening complications.

“Every day, patients throughout New Jersey depend on a steady blood supply for blood transfusions during surgeries, trauma care, and to battle serious illnesses. Donating blood is an act of compassion that directly supports our community,” said New Jersey Department of Health Acting Commissioner Jeff Brown. “As we face critical shortages, I urge eligible residents to consider donating. By rolling up your sleeve, you’re offering the gift of life.”

Warmer months bring an increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as “trauma season,” late spring and summer see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs. At the same time, blood donations typically decline due to travel, school breaks, and holiday schedules, creating a perfect storm for shortages.

Community Support Urgently Needed

Compounding the crisis, 50% of New Jersey's blood supply depends on community-based blood drives hosted by schools, businesses, religious groups, and civic organizations. But June projections show that 5,000 additional donations are urgently needed, requiring more than 100 new blood drives to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

How New Jersey residents can help:

• Schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets as soon as possible, and consider becoming an All Seasons Donor – donating once per season each year.  

• Schedule a blood drive at your school, place of worship, business, or community organization. Learn more here.  

• Spread the word. Invite a friend to donate with you and amplify this need on social media and in your respective circles.  

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NJBS’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.