Devils Team Up with RWJ Barnabas, Red Cross to Host Blood Drive

NEWARK, NJ – As the New Jersey Devils are fighting to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012, they will be hosting their second annual blood drive in a collaborative effort with RWJ Barnabas and The American Red Cross on Saturday, March 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to help patients battling cancer and those in need of blood.

Donors will be handsomely rewarded in the form of a voucher for two tickets to an upcoming Devils home game and a limited-edition New Jersey Devils blood donor t-shirt as well as a chance to win autographed team memorabilia.

“The gesture of donating blood is always impactful,” said Sally Wells, blood services business development liaison at RWJUH in New Brunswick. “By investing one hour of your time, you can literally save three people’s lives.”

“On a daily basis we at Barnabas Health transfuse hundreds of units of blood to patients in all of our institutions and without volunteer blood donation, we would not be able to provide the types of unique and advanced procedures and care that we give our patients,” Wells explained. “(Donating blood) is a simple, painless process that has a major impact on patients’ lives.”

In addition, donors will have the opportunity to meet Devils alumni Bryce Salvador and Bruce Driver, who will be available for photos and autographs.

"We have an obligation as an important community asset to help create positive change in people's lives," said Jeff Scott, vice president of community and grassroots at Prudential Center. "Partnering with RWJBarnabas Health and the Red Cross each year is one of the most important and impactful days on our calendar, and we look forward to making a difference again this year.”

To schedule an appointment or for additional information, please call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.newjerseydevils.com/blooddrive. Free parking is available to donors in the Parking Deck presented by Ford located adjacent to the arena on Lafayette St.

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

* Lead photo used in story courtesy of the New Jersey Devils.