Donation appointments critical to keeping blood supply ready
NEW JERSEY, July 7, 2025 — The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves – especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop.
In addition to summer fun and holidays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions.
All blood types are needed, and donors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation. Book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 14, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker that’s included! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.
For those who come to give July 15-31, 2025, the Red Cross will say thanks with a Fandango Movie Reward by email. Use it to catch a summer blockbuster on the Red Cross! See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in New Jersey from July 7-31:
Middlesex
East Brunswick
7/18/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 151 Milltown Rd
Edison
7/7/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Edison VFW Memorial Post 3117, 55 National Road
Iselin
7/7/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad, 77 Queen Street
Monroe Township
7/16/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monroe Township High School, 200 Schoolhouse Rd
7/28/2025: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza
Old Bridge
7/26/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, 2095 Route 516
Parlin
7/20/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aquatic & Fitness Center, 333 Cheesequake Road
Piscataway
7/8/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Saint Frances Cabrini Church, 208 Bound Brook Avenue
Plainsboro Township
7/23/2025: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Doehler North America, 1 Research Way
South Amboy
7/8/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creme de la Creme Loft, 7050 NJ-35
7/31/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., South Amboy Elks Lodge 784, 601 Washington Road
Monmouth
Freehold
7/10/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council #1672, 70 East Main Street
Holmdel
7/22/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Holmdel Senior/Community Center, 6 Crawfords Corner Road
Little Silver
7/14/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Little Silver Woman’s Club, 111 Church Street
Millstone
7/30/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Moose Lodge #1459, 560 Monmouth Rd hello
Tinton Falls
7/17/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross, 1540 W. Park Avenue
7/28/2025: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross, 1540 W. Park Avenue
For other locations in New Jersey, click here.
