Blood Drive Series To Be Held In Honor Of Local Family In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) will be hosting a multi-day community blood drive this summer to celebrate the McAuliffe family.

Set to take place from Sunday, June 21, through Friday, June 26, the drive will take place at NJBS's Holmdel Donor Center.

The McAuliffe family experienced the power of blood donations firsthand when Stefanie McAuliffe was diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum during her pregnancy with her son.

The condition can result in the death of both the mother and newborn and often causes serious blood loss during labor.

Stefanie lost three-and-a-half liters of blood during childbirth and needed six pints of blood in order to survive, officials said.

Since then, Stefanie has become an advocate for blood donations, working to host blood drives and spread awareness about the need for blood for new moms during childbirth.

This will be the fifth annual blood drive that the McAuliffe family is hosting in honor of their son Russell, to give other blood donors the opportunity to give the same gift of life that saved Stefanie in her time of need.

This drive comes at an especially important time as the warmer months are a historically challenging period for blood donations, officials said.

Current supply levels are particularly concerning given the challenges presented by upcoming special events, like the World Cup, and the summer “trauma season” that typically increase the need for blood.

“Trauma season” is a period when hospitals see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood due to increased travel, outdoor recreation, and holiday activities.

All blood types are desperately needed, but Types A-, B-, and O+/O- have hit dangerously low levels in the region.

In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month.

To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.

To make an appointment at this specific blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or click here.

The drive will take place from Sunday, June 21, through Friday, June 26, at the Holmdel Donor Center, located at 2111 Route 35 North, Holmdel.