Facing one of the most critical blood supply shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic, RWJBarnabas Health is urgently calling on New Jersey residents to donate blood and platelets.
A steep decline in donor turnout, combined with typical summer disruptions like family vacations, school closures, and fewer community drives, has severely strained local and national inventories. The shortage comes at a time when hospital demand for blood products remains incredibly high.
To lead by example, RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Manigan was among those donating at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Blood Donor Room to help raise awareness of the critical need.
“Blood donations are essential to saving the lives of patients every day,” said Ellen Romanowski, Senior Vice President of Laboratory Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “For individuals battling cancer, recovering from traumatic injuries, undergoing complex surgeries, or experiencing complications during childbirth, donated blood and platelets can be the difference between life and death. We are urging the public to donate today.”
The scale of the need is massive. In 2025 alone, the RWJBarnabas Health system transfused 97,977 blood products. Because New Jersey is a “net importer” of blood—meaning the state relies on collections from outside its borders to meet local hospital demands—local donations are vital to preventing disruptions in patient care.
While all blood types are urgently needed, officials note that the supply of Type O blood is especially critical.
Upcoming Public Blood Drives (July – September 2026)
- Residents can donate at local blood centers or by attending one of the following public blood drives scheduled across the state:
- Tuesday, July 21: Community Medical Center (Auditorium A and B), Toms River | 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 23: RWJUH Hamilton (Café Vending Area), Hamilton | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 29: Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (Conference Rooms), Lakewood | 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 1: Secaucus Recreation Center (Gym), Secaucus | 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 5: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Islami Conference Center), Livingston | 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 12: Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield (Multi-Purpose Room), Bloomfield | 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 18: Monmouth Medical Center (Unterberg Learning Center), Long Branch | 11:20 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 20: Jersey City Medical Center (Conference Room 5), Jersey City | 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 26: Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (Conference Rooms), Lakewood | 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 1: RWJUH (Arline and Henry Schwartzman Courtyard), New Brunswick | 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 3: Pine Belt Subaru (Showroom), Lakewood | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Sept. 10–11 (Thurs/Fri): RWJUH Somerset, Steeplechase Cancer Center (Auditorium), Somerville | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Sept. 16–17 (Wed/Thurs): The Yard @ College Avenue, New Brunswick | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Sept. 29–30 (Tue/Wed): Seton Hall University (University Center), South Orange | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
To find a donation location and schedule an appointment, visit giveblood.rwjbh.org or call 732-235-8100 or 908-685-2926.
