There is an urgent need for blood donations to help patients who have cancer, blood disorders, need surgeries, or experience traumas that lead to the emergency room.
As the COVID-19 pandemic destroys the traditional blood drive model, 75% of the incoming supply is threatened, according to information provided by the New Jersey Blood Services division of the New York Blood Center.
The start of the school year usually boosts donations, according to the statement, but offers no relief this year amid COVID.
Plus, many blood drives have been canceled.
The Spotswood VFW will host a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the post, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.
Appointments are highly recommended. Walk ins will be accommodated only if social distancing permits.
Donors must wear a face mask. They will have their temperatures taken. They must be 14 days symptom-free if recovered from COVID-19.
They may not donate if they had a positive test diagnostic test or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
For an appointment, visit https://tinyurl.com/spots0827 or call or text Lynne at 732-616-9284.