Pint for a pint at DQ

NEWFOUNDLAND — On Friday, July 11 Dairy Queen is sponsoring a blood drive at 2648 Route 23 North, Newfoundland in conjunction with The Blood Center of New Jersey from 4 to 8 p.m.

Anyone who donated a pint of blood will receive a pint of soft serve. Look for the Bloodmobile in the parking lot.

The blood supply is always critically low this time of year and the blood center is looking for all "Patriotic Heroes" to step up and help save lives. This drive is being held to help with critical summer blood shortage. This time of year always sees a decline in blood donations as summer activities and vacation dominate most people's daily schedules.

Also all donors who register to donate the week of July 7 to 13 are eligible to win a $25 gasoline gift card. Ten winners will be announced on July 14.

All are welcome to come.
Sixteen year olds can now donate blood in the state of New Jersey with parental/guardian consent. The consent forms will be available at the blood drive — parent or guardian must accompany the donor.

New Jersey faces shortages of blood donations and must import blood regularly from other states. Donations are needed every day to meet the needs of our New Jersey hospitals.

Blood center officials note that each unit of blood donated is broken down into several components including platelets, plasma and red cells, so one donation can save up to three lives.

The donation process is safe and simple. Donors are first asked medical history questions and given a mini-health check, including pulse, blood pressure and iron level. The actual donation of blood takes five to seven minutes and then the donor us given a snack or juice. The entire process generally takes under an hour. Donors will receive a free cholesterol screening.

Donors must be 16 years old with consent form by accompanying parent/guardian, weigh 120 pounds and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for donors provided they meet health requirements. Donors should bring a signed or picture form of identification and know their social security number. Eat a meal one hour before donating and drink plenty of water.

People with a fever or sore throat should wait until they are feeling better before donating and there is a 24 hour deferral for teeth cleanings and fillings.

For those who recently traveled outside the United States and for other eligibility questions call the blood center at 973-676-4700 ext. 132.

For more information contact Bridget Schindo at 973-676-4700 ext. 155.