The American Red Cross needs the help of New Jerseyans. There is great need for blood and platelet donations during January, National Blood Donor Month.
“Currently, the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years,” said Kim Goetz, executive director of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey. “And when fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – like recent winter weather systems – can have a huge effect on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion.”
Winter, a time when weather can be a factor in traveling to donate blood, coupled with cold and flu season that keeps people at home, poses a challenge to blood donations. Central New Jersey is home to the Llura Gund Central New Jersey Headquarters and Blood Donation Center in Princeton.
“This newly renovated space offers donors the opportunity to give whole blood, Power Red donations, and platelet donations — all under one roof,” Goetz explained.
Rachel M. Lippoff, executive director of American Red Cross of Southern New Jersey, said “the need for blood donation is constant” adding it is a simple and quick process.
“It is easy to sign up to give blood and the entire process can be done in less than an hour,” she explained. “Simply go to redcrossblood.org to learn more about blood donation and enter your zip code to find a local blood drive or blood donation center near you.”
The majority of our first time donors, according to Goetz, are in the high school and college aged demographics.
“Young people are so important to the blood supply,” she said. “It’s also such an inspiring way to serve your community.”
Recurring donors keep the blood supply healthy. According to Diane Concannon, communications director at American Red Cross New Jersey, donors can give blood every 56 days or up to six times per year.
“Every time you donate, you have the potential to save someone’s life,” Goetz said. “What an incredible way to spend about an hour of your time.”
As a way to entice New Jerseyans to give blood, the American Red Cross New Jersey region, partnered with the National Football League for a promotion. In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, individuals who donate blood through Jan. 26 were automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LIX giveaway. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
All who come to give through Feb. 28 will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.
Regional locations in central and south New Jersey include the following:
American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center
707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
5029 U.S. 130, Suite 450, Delran
The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, collects about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. According to the organization’s website, the American Red Cross, which received its first congressional charter in 1900, is “tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world.”
