Give an Invaluable Gift: How Donating Blood and Platelets Saves Lives in New Jersey

World Blood Donor Day is in June, and our friends at RWJ Barnabas Health are joining us in reminding everyone of the importance of blood donations all year.

Every 15 minutes, a patient at a RWJBarnabas Health hospital receives a unit of blood, platelets, or fresh frozen plasma, and that's only possible if people volunteer to donate. It's one of the most valuable, selfless things you can do. About 60 percent of New Jersey residents are eligible to donate blood, but only 3.6 percent do.

RWJBarnabas operates two fixed site blood donation rooms and holds multiple blood drives throughout the state every month with caring staff who make the donor process as pleasant and seamless as possible.  To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. In addition, 16-year-olds can donate with written parental consent if they weigh at least 120 pounds. The team also will ask about your health history, review screening questions, and complete a short physical exam to ensure you are able to donate.

For additional information about the donation process, types of donation, medical eligibility, or sponsoring a blood drive, visit rwjbh.org/treatment-care/blood-donation.

You can also make an appointment to donate at giveblood.rwjbh.org. Better yet, make donating a regular part of your schedule. Donors can give whole blood every 56 days, and platelets can be given up to 24 times a year.  There is always a great need.