Our country is currently facing one of the worst blood shortages in years. For those who are willing and able, giving blood is an incredible way to give back. There are two local blood drives in the Hudson County area this week that are in need of donors. Read on to see when and where you can donate blood in Hudson County this week.
New Jersey Blood Services Blood Drive: Tuesday, May 17th
Bayonne
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is hosting a blood drive in honor of Dantae Rodriguez, a boy who has overcome significant medical challenges and now wants to help others in need, according to the press release. This blood drive is being run in honor of Dantae’s 13th birthday this year.
Dantae was diagnosed with Leukemia back in December of 2019. Prior to his Leukemia diagnosis, Dantae was already managing a number of medical conditions and genetic disorders, including a blood disorder, seizures, Autism, Sotos Syndrome, and ADHD. In April of 2020, while still battling Leukemia, Dantae was also diagnosed with COVID-19 and was hospitalized.
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Dantae achieved remission while still battling COVID-19 in April of 2020. Since then, he has had numerous hospital stays due to complications from chemotherapy. As of April 16th, 2022 Dantae is no longer on chemotherapy and is cancer free.
Dantae has learned how important blood donations are in saving lives, as his condition has required many blood transfusions in the past. For his birthday, he wants to spread awareness and get more people interested and donating.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 from 12:30PM – 6:30PM
WHERE: Senior Community Center, 16 W. 4th Street, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
WHO: Dantae’s family, Blood Donors, Volunteers and New York Blood Center representatives
DETAILS: Appointments for this blood drive are encouraged. You can sign up to donate here using code 70733 or by texting (917) 699 – 9073. NJBS is taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. People are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection, or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions is available here.
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Jersey City Medical Center Emergency Blood Drive: Wednesday, May 18th
Jersey City
Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) is hosting an emergency blood drive to address dangerously low supply levels, according to the press release.
“The need for blood products never stops, and lately that need has been outpacing the number of blood donors. We rely on the generosity of blood donors to address the serious ongoing blood shortage, so that we can continue to deliver lifesaving medical care for patients in need,” said Michael Loftus, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Jersey City Medical Center.
WHEN:Wednesday, May 18th, from 11AM to 5PM
WHERE: The Ambulatory Surgery Center, 377 Jersey Avenue Suite 510 in Jersey City.
WHO: Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC)
DETAILS: Donors must be at least 16-years old (minors under 18 need parental permission) and weigh at
least 110 pounds if they’re older than 16. Donors must also present photo identification at the time of
donation. Please be sure to eat and drink before donating. Those ineligible to donate include individuals who have a history of viral hepatitis at age 11 or older, are recovering from an infectious illness, or are in a high-risk group (e.g., individuals with HIV or AIDS). For more information, visit Blood Donation in New Jersey – RWJBarnabas Health (rwjbh.org).
