Community Corner

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt Urges Residents to Give Blood

Hurricane Irene forced the Red Cross to cancel dozens of blood drives on the East Coast.

U.S. Rush Holt (D-Hopewell Township) of New Jersey's 12th Congressional District gave blood at the Red Cross of Central New Jersey in West Windsor on Tuesday and he encourages local residents to follow suit.

Hurricane Irene forced the Red Cross to cancel 60 planned blood drives and 2,000 appointments to give blood, said Joelle Piercy, regional coordinator of volunteers, youth and blood services for the Red Cross.

“I want people to know that this time of year is a good time to give blood,” Holt said on Tuesday. “If you are able to, I urge you to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”

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To schedule an appointment to donate blood or locate a nearby blood drive can find a location near them by calling 1-800-Red Cross or at www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation.

“We have an urgent need for blood right now,” Piercy said. “Summer is always a difficult time because a lot of people are on vacation or out of town.”

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Most people age 17 and older who are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. People who are 16 years old may give blood with parental permission.

Donations of all blood types are needed, especially those with positive blood types. Platelet donors are in especially high demand. 


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