FREEHOLD – One hundred nine people donated blood at Monmouth County’s summer blood drive earlier this month in an effort to help the Central Jersey Blood Center meet the current need for blood donations.
“Our hospitals rely on blood drives to keep blood supplies at a safe level,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “I thank everyone who donated at this Monmouth County sponsored blood drive.”
“Every single unit is treasured and appreciated,” said Karen Moore, account manager with the Central Jersey Blood Center. “We are into our slow period of time with donations, and we are grateful for the county efforts to increase awareness and our blood supply.”
The Central Jersey Blood Center provided $10 gas cards to every person who donated blood at the Monmouth County Health Department office.
“Giving out the gas cards as a thank you to our donors helped,” Moore said. “We are still in need of blood donations. I encourage people to call the Central Jersey Blood Center at 732-842-5750 to make an appointment that will make a difference.”
Moore reminds donors that they must eat before donating blood, and they must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 120 pounds. All equipment is sterile and disposable, and donors can give every eight weeks, if they wish.
“Everyone who is able to do so should give blood on a regular basis, and I know our county employees will be a big part of our next blood drive in the fall,” Curley said.
