Diversity in the Blood Supply

At RWJBH we are committed to providing the best medical outcome for every patient we support.

The ability to provide blood components that are matched more precisely than just blood type is critical to treat patients with sickle cell disease, types of blood cancers, disorders and serious medical conditions.

Sickle cell disease currently effects over 100,000 people in the United States and regular blood transfusion is often the difference between crisis and survival. One in every 365 African American births is affected by Sickle Cell disease but less than 12% of all blood donation in the United States comes from communities of color.

Your blood type is inherited and so the best match is often someone of a similar ethnic background.

Every day over 30,000 units of red blood cells, 6000 units of platelets and 7,000 units of plasma are required by hospital patients nationwide. Type O blood is always in high demand but chronically in short supply.

African American, Latino, Native American and Asian populations carry a high percentage of Type O blood. It is very important that our communities available blood supply matches the needs of our patients.

To donate blood, sponsor and organize a blood drive or just to learn more about why an ethnically diverse blood supply is so important, reach out today.

Download Unique Blood Donation Brochure - PDF

RWJUH New Brunswick and RWJUH Somerset Blood Services

732-235-8100 ext. 221 | 908-685-2926