The center opening marks NJ Blood Services' fifth donor center statewide and second in Monmouth County. See details:
FREEHOLD, NJ — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art donor center in Freehold.
On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., NJBS hosted the grand opening event for the new center at 4345 Route 9, Freehold.
During the event, the organization was joined by NJ Department of Health Acting Commissioner Jeffrey Brown, NJ State Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, MD, Monmouth County Commissioner Deputy Director Susan Kiley, Freehold Township Committeeman Alan Walker, Dr. James Matera of CentraState Healthcare System, and other local community leaders.
The new Freehold location (which is now welcoming appointments and walk-ins for all donations) marks NJBS’ fifth donor center statewide and second in Monmouth County.
In May, the organization opened its first Monmouth County donor center in Holmdel.
“New Jersey Blood Services is excited to be expanding our presence in Monmouth County with the opening of our second new donor center in the area this year,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Regional Operations at New Jersey Blood Services.
“It is our hope that this new space will make blood donation more convenient and accessible for local residents,” Mascolino continued. “We encourage folks to make an appointment today as we head into the holiday season when donations typically decline.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the new donor center in Freehold, NJBS said it continues to face significant blood supply challenges.
Currently, the region has just a three-to four-day supply of blood on hand (well below the ideal seven-day inventory), with several critical types such as B-, O+ and O- down to only a one-day supply.
According to NJBS, Thanksgiving week collections fell roughly 20% short of what is needed, resulting in about 1,500 fewer donations.
Additional donors are urgently needed in the coming weeks to recover from the holiday shortfall and stabilize the region’s blood supply, the organization said.
“A strong blood supply is a shared responsibility, and it’s not something we can take for granted,” said Jeff Brown, Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner.
“Whether it's a child undergoing cancer treatment, a teenager with sickle cell anemia needing regular transfusions, or a neighbor in a car accident, patients across New Jersey are depending on the generosity of strangers,” Brown continued. “Preventing blood shortages starts with a simple act: Choosing to roll up your sleeve and give.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.
To view current eligibility guidelines, you can visit nybc.org or call 800-688-0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. For those who can’t donate blood, you can still make an impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
The new Freehold donor center is located at 4345 Route 9, Freehold.