BIA Rita Reilly Blood Drive Friday, October 07, 2016.

The Bergen Irish Association (BIA) will hold its anniversary blood drive with Community Blood Services on Friday, October 7, 2016.

The blood drive, now known as the BIA Rita Reilly blood drive, will be held from 3:30 to 9 p.m. at the Bergen Irish Association building, 41 Omaha Street.

Rita started the blood drive as a way to help others after her daughter Noreen passed away unexpectedly. She helped run the drive with her husband Edward and co-founder, Mike Lyons, before she passed away from cancer in 2002 at age 65. Rita, the mother of five, received blood transfusions while being treated for her cancer.

Volunteer blood donors are asked to schedule an appointment by calling Community Blood Services at 201-251-3703. Whole blood donors can also walk in but appointments are recommended.

Donors must be 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Did you know every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer?

The HLA Registry is one of the largest non-governmentally operated donor center in the United States as well as the only donor center based in New Jersey.

The HLA Registry actively recruits donors from all over the United States and, in particular, from the northeastern region of the country. Donors with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are especially needed.

Register to donate http://www.communitybloodservi...