Plainsboro library to host blood drive

By: Emily Craighead
   PLAINSBORO — New Jersey Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center, is conducting a blood drive at the Plainsboro Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 14.
   Donors must be at least 18 years of age (17 with a parent’s permission), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in generally good health. All donors receive free mini medical exams and information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.
   The actual blood collection takes 10 to 20 minutes, and the donation process from start to finish takes about 45 minutes to one hour.
   Only 2 percent of New Jersey’s eligible donor population gives blood. The national average is 5 percent. Consequently, the supply for New Jersey is not sufficient to meet needs, and thousands of units of blood must be purchased and imported to the area.
   The library is located in the Municipal Complex at 641 Plainsboro Road. For details or directions, call (609) 275-2897.