Somerset Patriots Hosts Emergency Blood Drive Aug. 25

Press release from the Somerset Patriots: The Somerset Patriots will host an emergency blood drive for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, August 25th from 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. RWJBarnabas Health is the official health care provider of the Somerset Patriots.

As an unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community’s blood supply is dangerously low. We must act now to build a safe and reliable supply of blood to support local hospital patients.

“During the summer months, the blood supply historically drops precipitously. With schools and colleges closed, and people away on vacation, summer is always a challenge, but this year our struggles are even greater because of the lingering effects of COVID-19,” said Nicole Greco, an RWJUH Somerset Blood Services Recruitment Representative.

The blood drive will take place in the suite level of TD Bank Ballpark. Guests will be able to check in on the main concourse before being directed to the location for the donation.

All donors will receive a Somerset Patriots baseball hat and be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Visa gift card for their participation.

Participants health and safety is a top priority. Social distancing and additional disinfecting guidelines are in place at all RWJBarnabas Health blood drives. All donors are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering. No one exposed to, or cared for a positive COVID-19 person, over the past 14 days is eligible to donate blood. Donors will need to bring a photo ID and be sure to eat and drink prior to donating.

Medical eligibility questions should be referred to a RWJUH Somerset staff member at (908) 685-2926. Appointments are strongly encouraged and available at rwjuhdonorclub.org or by calling (908) 685-2926.

This press release was produced by the Somerset Patriots. The views expressed here are the author's own.