Serious Blood Shortage At RWJ Hospitals Across NJ; Donors Needed

NEW JERSEY — RWJBarnabas Health is making an “urgent appeal” for blood and platelet donations as it responds to a serious shortage at its hospitals throughout New Jersey.

According to RWJBarnabas Health, during the summer months, blood donor participation historically drops while schools and colleges are closed, and people are away on vacation. Additionally, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases has impacted donor participation at donation centers and at blood drives.

To make an appointment at a fixed RWJBH Donor Room or to find a nearby blood drive location, click here or call 732-235-8100, ext. 221. To organize a blood drive in your community, call Sally Wells at 732-558-4983, or email sally.wells@rwjbh.org.

On Monday, the hospital system – which has a headquarters in West Orange – said that people can help out by donating blood at one of several upcoming drives across the state (see the list below).

In addition, RWJBarnabas Health has two fixed locations, one at RWJUH in New Brunswick, located on the 4th floor of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Clinical Academic Building at 125 Paterson Street in New Brunswick, and one at RWJUH Somerset, located at 110 Rehill Avenue in Somerville. Both donor centers are open Monday to Friday and some Saturdays.

Blood drives will take place at the following days and places:

Monmouth Medical Center Blood Drive

• Wednesday, August 10 from 11:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
• Unterberg Learning Center, 300 2nd avenue, Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University Blood Drive

• Thursday, August 11 from 12-6 p.m.
• Rebecca Stafford Student Center, Anancon Hall - A, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Blood Drive

• Thursday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
• Schulman Conference Center, 600 River Avenue Lakewood, NJ

Manalapan Community Blood Drive

• Tuesday, August 23 from 1-7 p.m.
• The Courtroom at 120 Rt. 522, Manalapan, NJ

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Blood Drive

• Thursday, August 25 from 11:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
• Islami Conference Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ

New Brunswick Islamic Center Blood Drive

• Saturday, August 27 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• The Gymnasium at 1330 Livingston Ave. North Brunswick, NJ

South Orange Community Blood Drive

• Tuesday, August 30 from 12-6 p.m.
• South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ

RWJBarnabas Health stated:

“Free parking is available for all blood donors. Donors must be at least 16-years old (16 -year-olds require written parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds (120 pounds if 16-years old). Donors must also present photo identification at the time of donation. Donor Centers and all RWJBarnabas Health Blood Drives have safety protocols in place to protect all donors. These include social distancing requirements in waiting areas and donation spaces, face masks required for all staff, as well as strict sanitary protocols including disinfection of donor areas. Donors may be required to wear a mask or face covering at certain donation locations.”

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