BLOOMFIELD, NJ – The Township has recently partnered with RWJBarnabas Health to host a blood drive for the community and municipal employees. The blood collected at this drive will be used exclusively at RWJBarnabas Healthcare hospitals with at least 50% of the products going to Clara Maass Medical Center.
The blood drive will take place on Monday, April 25 at the Oakside Cultural Center. The blood drive will take place from 10 a.m.-to 4 p.m. and all donors will be entered into a raffle to win one of four $25 Wawa gift cards. This blood drive will help to combat the nationwide blood shortage.
“Donating blood is one of the best ways that you can give back to your community because it can literally save lives,” said Mayor Venezia. “I encourage municipal employees as well as anyone else that is able to donate blood to do so.”
The Oakside Cultural Center is located at 240 Belleville Ave. in Bloomfield. To make an appointment, go to rwjuhdonorclub.org or call 732-235-8100 ext. 221.Please bring photo identification as well as something to eat or drink once you are done donating.
“Blood supplies in New Jersey have yet to catch up since the height of the pandemic and have dipped to dangerously low levels this winter,” said Mary Ellen Clyne, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. “There are fewer blood drives being organized at workplaces, schools, houses of worship and community organizations. Our hospitals rely on the support of individuals to provide much of the blood we use, and we need our community’s help now to address this blood shortage and prevent potential delays in lifesaving medical care for patients in Bloomfield and Essex County, as well as in communities across the state.”