Bernards Health Department Holds Blood Drive to Combat Shortage in Region

The Bernards Township Health Department in conjunction with The Blood Center of New Jersey will conduct a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Bernards Township Community Center located in Basking Ridge. 

This is in association with the Super Community Blood Drive, a collaboration initiated by the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee and blood donation centers in the metropolitan region. Every person who donates blood through these sponsored drives will have the opportunity to win tickets to the Super Bowl XL VIII.

Blood donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in relative good health. Bring a valid photo ID, wear comfortable clothing and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood.

To schedule an appointment for this blood drive, participants should register at www.bloodnj.org. Enter the zip code “07920” in the “Drive Look-Up” box. Choose the “November 13, 2013” slot and enter your e-mail address and your date of birth. Select the desired appointment time, and confirm the appointment. Alternatively, participants can call the Bernards Township Health Department at (908) 204-2520 to schedule an appointment.

New Jersey faces a severe and chronic blood shortage. Only 3.6 percent of New Jerseyans donate blood regularly, well below the national average of 5 percent. Meanwhile, 75 percent of residents of New Jersey will need blood in their lifetime.

Blood donations are urgently needed to treat traumatic injuries, illnesses and surgeries, according to the health department. Blood supplies tend to decrease during the summer. A donation of a one pint of blood from a single donor can save up to three lives. All blood types are needed. 

The mission of The Blood Center of New Jersey is to serve the medical needs of New Jersey by providing the safest, most technologically advanced blood and blood products of the highest quality. The center is licensed by federal and state regulatory agencies, and is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks.

The Bernards Township Health Department is the contractual health agency serving Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough.  For more information, visit www.bernardshealth.org.