Blood drive focused on finding O-types

NEWTON, N.J. — Newton Memorial Hospital is answering the call from New Jersey Blood Services by inviting you to participate in one of the most important local events of the year - a Blood Drive on June 29. New Jersey Blood Services, based in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, provides blood to 60 hospitals throughout the state but its supply is dangerously low. “The summer is a traditionally difficult time for blood donations,” said Marie Forrestal, manager of Donor Recruitment and Retention for New Jersey Blood Services. “Up to 25% of our local blood supply comes from high school and college students. When they are out of session the blood supply drops dramatically. Coupled with increased vacation time for many workers, this can leave our blood supply in a perilous situation.” That is why Newton Memorial is encouraging community members now more than ever to set aside just one hour on Monday, June 29 any time between 8: 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and commit to donating blood. Anyone between the ages of 17 and 75 can donate. If you are over 75 and would like to donate, please bring a doctor’s note. To sign up for this important event, please contact Newton Memorial Employee Health at 973-579-8505.