Red Cross: Need for blood donors is constant

The American Red Cross needs the help of state residents.

The need for blood and platelet donations during January’s National Blood Donor Month and beyond is a constant, according to the organization.

“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 can be a factor in people traveling to donate blood, and 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 “Lulie” Gund state 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 noted. “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 Red Cross first-time donors, according to Goetz, are high-school and college age.

“Young people are so important to the blood supply,” she oted. “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 a 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 state donors, Red Cross New Jersey partnered with the National Football League for a promotion. In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, individuals who donated blood through Jan. 26 were automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LIX giveaway. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Regional blood dontion locations in central and South Jersey include the following:

American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers: 5425 Marlton Pike, Pennsauken, and 5029 Route 130, Suite 450, Delran

American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center: 707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton

The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, collects about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. According to its website, the organization received its first congressional charter in 1900 and 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.”