TOMS RIVER – Blood drives were successful in 2021, and the organizers want to continue the momentum in 2022.
The New Jersey Blood Services/New York Blood Center collected 518 pints in 2021, which could help more than 1,500 patients. They want people to give blood as part of a New Year’s resolution to help even more people.
The next blood drives are: Wednesday, January 5, from 1-7 p.m. at St. Andrews UMC (sponsor code 70931), 1528 Church Road; and Thursday, January 20, from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church (sponsor code 70944), 415 Washington Street.
The sponsor codes are used if you make an appointment, which is appreciated but not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome if spacing allows. To make an appointment, visit nybc.org/newjerseydrive or call 800-933-2566.
Before giving blood, make sure you eat, drink, and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Donors 76 and older need a doctor’s note unless one is already on file. You can donate at 16 but you need a signed NYBC consent form. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
To encourage people to donate, they are holding a sweepstakes for all presenting donors in the month of January. The prize is a Mirror Home Gym and a 12-month membership. Visit NYBC.org/sweepstakes for details.
