By: Najla Alexander
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) will host a blood drive at the Highland Park Conservative Temple on Monday, January 20th, from 1:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., NJBS officials said. 
NJBS authorities said the blood drive will celebrate the Temple surpassing 1,500 blood donations since they began partnering with NJBS over 25 years ago.
This milestone highlights the CAE Men’s Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s blood supply and saving lives in the local community, officials say.
Officials stated the blood drive will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a day dedicated to giving back.
Donating blood is a meaningful way to make a life-saving impact and support those in need, NJBS said.
NJBS officials say hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors, but the past few years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide.
January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and recognize the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donors, NJBS authorities stated.
NJBS officials said blood donations typically decrease during the winter months due to holiday travel, seasonal illnesses, and inclement weather.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month, officials say. 
Officials said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions.
To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.