The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – our worst blood shortage in over a decade. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more blood products become available. Answering the call to help with the crisis, New Jersey blood donors have been rolling up their sleeves.

When Red Cross volunteer Andrew informed Elvis Duran and The Morning Show staff about the blood crisis and asked if there was interest to sponsor a blood drive, they didn’t hesitate to help. There was a lot that needed to be done quickly to make this event happen, let alone be a success. Due to the cancelation of two blood drives in the area, Red Cross staff were available and could be shifted to a new location. The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson joined the effort by generously offering their beautiful Hudson Ballroom. Promotion by Elvis Duran and The Morning Show led to more than 120 appointments booked within the first 24 hours!

Elvis Duran and The Morning Show didn’t stop at hosting a blood drive -- they also incentivized presenting blood donors at the drive with a chance to win two premium tickets to Jingle Ball 2022, a very popular event being held in December.

Blood donors like Danielle came to the drive to help patients in need of blood products. She even brought her seven-month-old daughter Mina Lai along, saying how happy she was to be out with her daughter and able to do some good during the pandemic.

Many first-time donors like Jack from the Z100 promotional staff were glad to help during the crisis. Jack made a Power Red donation – where the donor gives a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates the donor’s red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns plasma and platelets back to the donor.

Thanks to our thoughtful volunteer Andrew, a fantastic sponsor in Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, a complimentary venue from the Hyatt, Z100 promotional staff volunteering to register donors, and the compassionate blood donors who attended, the event was a great success. Everyone’s efforts helped produce 109 units of lifesaving blood, with a potential to help save up to 327 lives.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. This National Blood Donor Month, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to all blood donors who answer the call. Patients are counting on us each day, and we are grateful for your generosity.

To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.