Volunteer Blood Donation at RWJBarnabas Health
One of only three hospital-based blood donor programs of its kind in the state, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset campus Blood Donor Program offers a comfortable and caring atmosphere where donors are treated as an important part of our health care family.
We have two “fixed site” donor rooms located in New Brunswick and Somerville and run multiple blood drives every month throughout the state. Visit our Donor Portal to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you.
Although walk-ins are always welcome in either of our fixed site donor rooms we recommend calling before stopping by to donate. Hours are subject to change;
Fixed Site Locations:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Donor Room
Clinical Academic Building
125 Paterson Street, Suite 4200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 235-8100, ext. 221 or 248
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Donor Room
110 Rehill Avenue
First Floor- North
Somerville, NJ
(908) 685-2926
We always recommend calling prior to your visit as hours are subject to change.
Appointment online at giveblood.rwjbh.org
A valid photo ID is required. Please remember to eat and drink before donating.
Donate blood. Help someone in need.
What does a superhero look like? To a patient in need of blood or platelets, that hero is a blood donor. That’s because blood donation saves lives. In fact, every 15 minutes, a patient at a RWJBarnabas Health hospital receives a unit of blood, platelets, or fresh frozen plasma.
The need for blood is increasing and you can help. Our hospital relies on the support of individuals, like yourself, and local organizations that sponsor blood drives to provide much of the blood we use. That’s why RWJUH Blood Services is urging volunteer donors to give blood or if you are medically ineligible, please consider organizing a blood drive to help ensure that patient needs are met.
Download Blood Drive Planning Recommendations - PDF
Blood donation is one of the most giving actions you can take. At the RWJUH Donor Room, you’ll find a caring, skilled staff ready to support your decision to give blood. Our team will ask you questions about your health history and will ask you fill out a form similar to when you go to your doctor’s office. They will perform a mini-physical to make sure you are well and able to donate. Our team will talk with you about the best type of donation for you.
RWJBarnabas Health Blood Services medical criteria screening includes the use of the latest blood donor health screening questioner. This questioner and method of screening donors is
- gender inclusive
- individual assessment
- behavior - based questions
- new criteria for people serving in the military overseas
- new criteria for time spent in some European countries
The individual assessment of donors will make donations more inclusive, extend blood donation opportunity to more people and ensure equal treatment of all donors. All donors are asked the same questions to assess their eligibility to be a blood donor regardless of their gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
For additional information or questions pertaining to the individual blood donor assessment use the link provided below.
Download Individual Blood Donor Assessment FAQs - PDF
There are two main types of blood donation:
- Whole blood donation means that blood containing red blood cells, platelets, and plasma is collected and separated later in the blood processing center or laboratory.
- Automated donation (also known as apheresis) is a special type of blood donation that separates the blood components while you are donating blood, using a special apheresis machine that can collect platelets, plasma or red blood cells.
Our Donor Center allows patients the option of donating his or her own blood in anticipation of receiving blood during scheduled surgeries. For this type of donation, called Autologous Donation, you may give up to four units of blood within 35 days of the anticipated surgery. Please discuss this option with your physician. Patients must have their physician complete and return a special "Autologous/Designated Blood Collection" form to the Blood Services or have it faxed to the Donor Room in New Brunswick 732-235-6683 or Somerset 908-685-2926.
Your loved ones can also donate blood specifically for use by patients who are in need of a blood transfusion. This type of donation, called Designated Donation, must be made at least seven days prior to the scheduled surgery or anticipated transfusion, and is coordinated by the patient's physician using the same request form. If the designated donor does not meet compatibility requirements, the blood will be used by another patient at one of our hospitals.