Governor Phil Murphy proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month in the state of New Jersey
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) today received a proclamation from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy that honors the organization’s work to maintain a robust blood supply and declares the month of January as National Blood Donor Month for the state.
More than 50 years ago, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month. The annual observance is meant to honor voluntary blood donors and encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed.
“I am proud to sign this proclamation declaring January of 2024 as Blood Donor Month in New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As we have seen from nationwide supply shortages, blood supply is essential to our communities and to our emergency preparedness. Volunteer blood donation regularly saves lives and we encourage all eligible New Jerseyans to consider rolling up their sleeves to donate.”
“We are honored to accept this proclamation from Governor Phil Murphy and are grateful for his advocacy to ensure New Jersey has a safe and healthy blood supply,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New Jersey Blood Services. “We join the Governor in advocating for New Jersey residents to donate blood because the need is constant, but the supply is not.”
Earlier this month, NJBS joined blood centers across the country in an emergency plea for blood donors following a holiday season of low donor turnout and recent inclement winter weather. NJBS saw a 25% drop in donations, resulting in 5,000 fewer donations and crippling the inventory that was expected to grow during National Blood Donor Month. This proclamation urges New Jersey residents to make a blood donation at this critical time.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.