East Orange, NJ, August 20, 2024: The East Orange Department of Health and Human Services will host a Community Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on September 12, 2024 from 2PM to 7PM at East Orange Public Library, 21 S. Arlington Avenue in East Orange.
All donors will receive a free health screening prior to donating, will also receive a T-shirt and $20 Amazon.com gift card via email for their generous donation while supplies last.
This year’s drive is focused on supporting the needs of those battling sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects more than 100,000 African American patients in the United States. Today, the Red Cross is working to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to meet this need.
Mayor Ted R. Green said hosting the blood drive coincides with the City of East Orange’s core values of giving back to the community.
“Donating blood fosters a sense of social responsibility in our community and helps us to raise the importance of the act of giving blood to those in need,” said Mayor Green.
Health Officer Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz said blood donation is a vital humanitarian act that contributes to overall public health and well-being.
“With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor,” said Dr. Miranda-Diaz.
For more than a decade, the City of East Orange has hosted annual blood drives in memory of longtime Assistant Municipal Clerk Garry Branch, who served in the City Clerk’s office for over twenty (20) years before succumbing to the effects of a prolonged illness. During his tenure, he was known as the consummate professional and the personification of a polite public servant.
Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.
“The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood,” Dr. Miranda-Diaz added.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 973.266.5480 or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code: East Orange Library.
Who: City of East Orange and American Red Cross
What: Community Blood Drive
When: Thursday, September 12 between 2pm-7pm
Where: East Orange Public Library, 21 S. Arlington Avenue, East Orange, NJ