By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Devils, in partnership with their Official Healthcare Partner, RWJBarnabas Health, successfully conducted their annual blood drive this past Saturday, March 16th, at the Prudential Center in collaboration with the American Red Cross.
The event was a success, collecting 216 units of critically needed blood, which will play a crucial role in bolstering the healthcare system's blood bank inventories.
Organizers say participants who donated blood were rewarded with a free ticket to the highly anticipated New Jersey Devils game against the Toronto Maple Leafs scheduled for April 9th.
Additionally, donors had the unique opportunity to meet Devils alumni Bruce Driver and Colin White, both of whom are celebrated Stanley Cup Winners from 1995 and 2003, respectively.
Blood donations are vital in supporting life-saving treatments and emergency care for patients in a variety of situations, including cancer therapies, accidents, childbirth, surgeries, organ transplants, and more.
Despite the critical need for blood, only three percent of Americans participate in blood donation.
Sally Wells, a liaison from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Blood Services, expressed her gratitude towards the donors and highlighted the immediate positive impact these donations have on local blood supplies.
The New Jersey Devils' commitment to building healthier communities through such initiatives was also praised.
New Jersey residents are encouraged to continue donating blood to help avoid disruptions in medical services.
Individuals 16 years of age and older are eligible to donate. For more information on blood drives in the area, interested parties are invited to visit the RWJ University Hospital Donor Club website.