FREEHOLD – In an effort to help reduce the mid-summer blood shortage, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is hosting a summer blood drive on July 31.
According to the American Red Cross, there is an emergent need for blood donations.
“Not enough people donate blood to meet the needs of our local hospital patients,” said Freeholder Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “The County is proud to partner with Vitalant in order to help keep blood supplies at a safe level. The blood collected will help supply area hospitals including Jersey Shore Medical Center, Riverview and Bayshore Hospitals in Monmouth County.”
The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the County Agricultural Building. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary.
To make an appointment, visit donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/49821.
And who wouldn’t want a little reward for doing some good for the community? Vitalant, formerly known as Community Blood Services, is offering $10 Amazon gift cards to every person who donates blood at the July 31 blood drive.
High school students ages 16-19 will receive an additional $10 Amazon gift card for donating blood, which will be mailed, and be entered into a raffle for an Apple Watch. Parents must sign for 16-year-old donors at the event.
Male donors who are AB blood types will receive a $15 Walmart gift card for blood plasma donations only.
“Blood donations have the power to change lives for the better,” said Freeholder Kiley. “On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I strongly encourage all eligible donors to donate blood on July 31.”
Some reminders for those who wish to donate:
- Eat before donating blood
- Donors must be healthy and weight at least 110 pounds.
All equipment is sterile and disposable. Donors are able to give blood every eight weeks.
For more information about donating blood, visit vitalant.org.
