Red Cross urges New Jersey residents to donate blood to help keep summer blood supply stable
NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging New Jersey residents to schedule blood and platelet donations this summer to help ensure hospitals have a stable blood supply for patients.
The organization said summer travel, busy schedules and severe weather can make it more difficult to collect lifesaving blood products. The Red Cross also said scheduled donations, which account for 90% of its blood collections, have dropped sharply in recent weeks, making it important for donors to make and keep appointments.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products for a special promotion tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Everyone who donates blood or platelets between June 29 and July 12 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross x Looney Tunes T-shirt while supplies last.
“This Independence Day, along with the Looney Tunes characters, we’re inspiring a new generation of heroes — with a cartoon twist — at a time when every donation is critical to keeping the blood supply strong amid growing hurdles.”
The Red Cross said all blood types are needed to help maintain a reliable blood supply for patients.
Eligible donors generally must be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 with parental consent where permitted by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors age 18 and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Red Cross also encourages donors to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online through RapidPass on the day of their appointment to help save time at blood drives.
