NJBS recently declared a blood emergency, as blood donations have dropped nearly 40% below what is needed to meet local hospital demand
RED BANK, NJ – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) will host a blood drive on Thursday, January 29th from 8:00am to 2:00pm at Life Time in Red Bank. The blood drive will be held in honor of Dr. Matthew Chiarello, a local physician, father, Life Time member and blood recipient.
Dr. Chiarello was unexpectedly diagnosed with bone marrow failure early last year and relies on blood transfusions as he awaits a life-saving transplant. This blood drive is being held to celebrate his strength, resilience, and the opportunity to enter 2026 in good health, which was made possible by the generosity of blood donors.
The blood drive comes at a critical time as NJBS recently declared a blood emergency. Blood donations have dropped nearly 40% below what is needed to meet hospital demand, resulting in less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area. The emergency declaration follows an exceptionally challenging end to last year, caused by a combination of events that sharply reduced blood donations, including severe winter weather, record seasonal illness, and holiday disruptions.
January marks National Blood Donor Month and this year’s observance comes during an active blood emergency, when patients cannot wait. Blood has a limited shelf life, meaning immediate donations are critical.
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.
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Life Time, 230 Half Mile Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, New Jersey Blood Services representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.