NJ Blood Services Declares Blood Emergency as Donations Plummet

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is declaring a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations following a holiday season of alarmingly low donor turnout. NJBS has seen a nearly 30% drop in donations in recent weeks which has resulted in 6,500 fewer donations and crippled the region’s blood supply. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed – especially Types O- and B-, which are down to dangerously low 1-3-day supply.

Blood donations typically decrease during the holiday season, but January poses additional challenges: inclement weather causing blood drive cancellations, flu, COVID, and RSV reducing donor eligibility, and schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives during holiday breaks. These factors have strained an already fragile blood supply, which is critical for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic illnesses. Hospitals and patients depend on a steady stream of volunteer donors, yet the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages.

“The months following the holiday season are always a difficult time for the blood supply, with an increase in seasonal illness and inclement winter weather impacting donations,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New Jersey Blood Services. “The drop in donations serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply. We’re urging all eligible folks to start the new year by saving lives – schedule a donation today and bring a friend to double the impact!”

"Giving blood is one of the most powerful ways to help our neighbors. Every day, patients from across New Jersey depend on transfusions during surgical procedures, in emergency rooms, and for the treatment of cancers and chronic illnesses. It’s a cornerstone of modern medical care," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “Each donation can save three lives. The more donors there are, the more chances at life and health we can give."

“New Jersey is facing a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent. A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses," said Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali. "Please roll up your sleeves and help your community during this urgent blood emergency—your donation can save lives.

January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and recognize the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donors. Proclaimed by President Richard Nixon in January 1970, this annual observance remains vital to raising awareness and strengthening the blood supply during a critical time of year.

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.