Community Corner
Clara Maass Hospital In Belleville To Hold Blood Drive
Clara Maass: Available blood for those in need is critically low, and summer months are a historically challenging time for collections.

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Clara Maass Medical Center. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Clara Maass Medical Center, a facility of RWJBarnabas Health is holding a community blood and platelet drive on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in The Learning Center located at 1 Clara Maass Drive in Belleville.
The inventory of available blood for those in need is critically low, and summer months are a historically challenging time of year for blood collections. “Hospitals around the country are continuing to experience the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has also resulted in limited blood supplies. By donating at our upcoming blood drive, it is an opportunity for members of our local community to support each other in a meaningful way, right here close to home” said Mary Ellen Clyne, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Clara Maass Medical Center.
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According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood and platelet donations is ongoing and constant, and blood drives are helpful to ensure that an ample supply of blood is available to support patient care.
To make an appointment to donate at the blood drive, donors may go to: www.rwjuhdonorclub.org, or they may contact Jeannette Fernandez at (973) 450-2722 or Jeannette.Fernandez@rwjbh.org.
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At the blood drive, donors will be required to practice social distancing and will be required to wear masks while they are in the medical facility. Additional disinfecting guidelines will also be in place as a precaution and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Donors are not eligible to donate if they have been exposed to or have cared for a positive COVID-19 person 14 days prior to the June 12 blood drive.
Eligible donors must also bring photo identification and be sure to eat and drink prior to donating. Medical eligibility questions should be referred to 732-235-8100, ext. 248.
All donors will receive a T-shirt and will be entered into a raffle drawing to win a $50 gift card. Platelet donors will also receive a $10 gift card.
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