First responders from Bridgeton, Millville and Vineland are helping patients battle illness and injury by hosting a friendly blood drive competition to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors.
The Battle of the Cities blood drive will take place on Wednesday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the John F. Scarpa Technical Education Center of Cumberland County, 3400 College Drive in Vineland. Community members are invited to donate blood and cast a vote for Bridgeton/Millville or Vineland, with the winning city or cities earning a plaque and bragging rights.
By scheduling and keeping appointments, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Battlecumberlandco or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. In thanks for helping ensure a strong blood supply, those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by e-mail to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package, including a projector, screen and smokeless firepit. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
How to donate blood: Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
