Overview
- New Jersey Blood Services declared an emergency Tuesday, reporting less than a two‑day supply for the more than 200 hospitals it serves across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
- The American Red Cross says Philadelphia and South Jersey are on the cusp of a shortage, with local supplies described as tight as donations match hospital demand.
- Collections fell about 40% in recent weeks after an early, severe flu season, winter weather and midweek holidays disrupted typical donation days.
- Red blood cells last roughly 42 days and platelets only five to seven days, making shortages quickly consequential for trauma care, surgeries and cancer treatment.
- Health officials are urging immediate donations and promoting incentives, including an NFL partnership that enters January donors into a Super Bowl trip drawing featuring outreach by Saquon Barkley.