HOLMDEL, NJ — New Jersey Blood Services (NJ Blood Services) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art donor center in Monmouth County.
The organization hosted its grand opening event on Tuesday at 10 a.m., and was joined by the mayor and deputy mayor of Holmdel, local resident and blood recipient Therese Brooks, and other local community leaders.
The new center, which is located on NJ-35 in Holmdel and now welcoming appointments and walk-ins for all blood donations, is NJ Blood Service’s first donor center in Monmouth County.
NYBC received a ceremonial resolution from NJ State Senator Declan O’Scanlon (District 13) to mark the occasion.
“New Jersey Blood Services is proud to serve Monmouth County and we hope that the opening of this new donor center, which will be convenient and accessible for local residents, will allow us to provide more comprehensive and efficient service to hospitals and patients in the area,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at NJ Blood Services.
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“We are entering one of the most critical times for the blood supply, and we encourage folks to come check out the new space by making an appointment to donate today,” Cefarelli continued. “It’s the perfect way to kick off summer!”
Holmdel Mayor Brian Foster said the town is looking forward to a long partnership with NJ Blood Services, and complimented the space built for the center.
“We are going to do our best here in town,” Foster said. “Knowing your facility is here, knowing it’s open, knowing it’s new, and knowing how welcoming you have been, I think we can increase that 3% donation statistic. I wish you the best of luck.”
As we approach the summer season, officials said the warmer months bring an increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as “trauma season,” late spring and summer often see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs.
At the same time, blood donations typically decline due to travel, school breaks, and holiday schedules, creating a “perfect storm” for shortages, as nearly 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions for treatment.
With this new donor center, officials hope to provide more comprehensive and efficient service to those in need around the area.
“When you think about how great it could be if you could save someone’s life — that’s what this facility is all about,” Holmdel Deputy Mayor Kim LaMountain said. “You may never know whose life it is that you save. But the idea that we, ordinary people, can, with just a little bit of time and no cost, have a tremendous impact on another family or individual.”
“Thank you for deciding to have a base here in Holmdel," LaMountain continued. "Because it gives us that opportunity to truly make a difference and build a stronger sense of community."
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month, according to officials. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions.
To view current eligibility guidelines, you can visit the New York Blood Center (NYBC) website or call 800-688-0900.
To make an appointment, you can visit the NYBC website or call 1-800-933-2566. For those who can’t donate blood, you can still support NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time and can learn more here.
The Holmdel NJ Blood Services Donor Center is located at 2111 NJ-35, Holmdel.