Got an Hour? Save a Life!

Where can you go and save a life, or three, in an hour? The answer? The Community Blood Drive held at Howell Elks Lodge #2515, 84 Ramtown- Greenville Road, Thursday, July 26 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. New Jersey Blood Services/New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency and is asking people across New Jersey and the New York metro area to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply for local hospitals.

In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are below that minimum.

These low levels are particularly dangerous leading into summer months, when people are less likely to donate blood as schools are on summer break and families take vacations. The best preparation for life-threatening situations is having blood on hospital shelves in advance. Your one pint of blood can be separated into three life-saving components--red cells, platelets and plasma, so you may touch the lives of three different patients!

“Every day, blood donations help save lives – and right now, the need is critical,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director of Donor Recruitment for New York Blood Center. “We’re calling on everyone to spread the word, host a blood drive, or simply take an hour out of their day to donate.”

Donors at the Howell Elks Blood Drive on July 26 will receive a $10 off $30 Houlihan’s coupon. Donors with O negative and B negative blood types are especially needed. O negative donors are considered “universal,” as their blood type can be utilized by any patient, most notably in trauma situations. B negative is a particularly rare blood type.

Call 1-800-933-2566 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors must be at least 16 with signed NYBC parental consent, weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good health. Please eat and drink at your regular mealtimes. Bring NYBC Donor Card for faster service or other form of signature/photo ID.