Local blood drive helps raise awareness and supply across state

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Everyone knows our bodies survive on blood. But when people need it in an emergency, they may not get it.

Only 5% of the U.S. population regularly donates blood. In New Jersey that statistic drops even more—only 2% of approximately 8 million Garden State residents give blood.

This June, nearly 70 people who live and work at Cedar Crest, in Pompton Plains, did their part to help raise awareness of the importance of blood donations and increase the state’s blood supply.

Community commitment
The American Red Cross of Northwest New Jersey, the New Jersey Blood Bank, and Erickson Health sponsored Cedar Crest’s first annual onsite blood drive in the Belmont Clubhouse. The convenient setup garnered both longtime and first-time donors.

“I’ve been giving blood for years and feel that I have to give it because it’s the right thing to do,” Doris Anzalone says.

She moved to Cedar Crest two years ago from Allendale, where several years ago, her husband needed blood due to a medical condition. “I have never forgotten the kindness of strangers who donated,” she says.

Since joining the Pequannock community in 1999 and officially opening in 2002, Cedar Crest has embraced its surrounding neighbors. “Our community is one that prides itself on being a good neighbor,” says Cedar Crest Executive Director Chip Warner. “The blood drive is an important extension of our commitment to helping not only our nearby neighbors but the entire state as well.”

The ‘giving’ truth
Last December, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine launched an initiative to help increase awareness and supply across the state. “Save 3 Lives … All in a Day’s Work” encourages businesses to hold blood drives and inform their employees of the importance of blood donation.