Special Blood Drive at Bloomfield Public Library

Donating blood at the Bloomfield Public Library’s drive this month will not only provide life-saving blood for New Jersey residents in need, it will also help the library better serve the community.

The Bloomfield Public Library is partnering with the Blood Center of New Jersey on Saturday, December 10 for a special blood drive from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Thanks to a special program, the library will receive a cash award based on the number of people who donate blood.

The Blood Center of New Jersey supplies blood and blood products to about 30 New Jersey hospitals and conducts more than 225 blood drives per month in 15 New Jersey counties. It is estimated that one out of three residents will require a life-saving blood transfusion at some time during their life. 

However, only about 2% of the eligible New Jersey population donates blood, compared to the national average of 5%.  As a result, the Blood Center of New Jersey is required to import about 25% of its blood supply from other states in order to effectively supply state hospitals. While blood donations have declined over the years, the demand for blood by New Jersey hospitals has increased.

To assist with this effort, Blood Center of New Jersey has established the Library "Save a Life" Recognition Award. For a library that sponsors a blood drive during the year, if there are: 

• 30 or more donations, the library will receive $300. 
• 40 or more donations, the library will receive $350. 
• 50 or more donations, the library will receive a $400. 
• For each additional 10 donations, the "Save a Life" Recognition Award will be increased by $50.    

Donors can show up the day of drive or can register for the blood drive by calling 973-566-6200, extension 502. The Bloomfield Public Library is located at 90 Broad Street in Bloomfield.