January is National Blood Donor Month – a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. These donors include Dr. David Adinaro, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services with the NJ Department of Health, and others pictured above, who answered the recent appeal by donating at a blood drive in New Jersey.

This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as we face a blood crisis. The nation’s blood supply has dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet transfusions. Blood donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet daily hospital demands.

The Red Cross urges eligible individuals to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people in their communities receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App,

A single blood donation can help save more than one life – a patient battling cancer, a car accident victim, or a parent experiencing a difficult childbirth. There is no greater gift than the gift of life.

The Red Cross appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts. As the nation faces the latest challenges of this pandemic environment, there may not be an immediate appointment available or an individual may be asked to reschedule an appointment — but donors are still needed. The Red Cross is grateful for donors’ understanding as the organization works tirelessly to meet the needs of patients.

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. 

Save time during donation

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent in New Jersey), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Learn more about blood donation at RedCrossBlood.org.