NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging New Jersey residents to donate blood or platelets as donor turnout continues to decline this fall. With the holiday season approaching, officials say hospitals are relying on these donations to maintain lifesaving supplies for patients in need.
Donors of all blood types — especially those giving platelets — are encouraged to make an appointment at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive.
To thank donors, those who give between Oct. 27 and Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes, according to the Red Cross. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest.
The Red Cross also noted that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and all successful donors during the month will receive free A1C testing, which screens for prediabetes and diabetes. (Tests are limited to one result per 12-month period, and fasting is not required.)
“Understanding our own health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and saving lives,” the organization said. “Blood and platelet donations can be part of that journey.”
How to donate
Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa-enabled device.
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent where permitted), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors under 19 must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
To save time, donors can complete pre-donation reading and health history forms online through RapidPass® on the day of their appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or using the Blood Donor App.
The Red Cross emphasized that all blood types are needed to ensure hospitals have a reliable supply for emergencies and ongoing patient care.
