Give Blood, Get a $10 Gasoline Card

The following is a message from Monmouth County and the Central Jersey Blood Center:

The Central Jersey Blood Center is offering $10 gasoline cards to every person who donates blood during the Monmouth County Employees' blood drive next week.

The blood drive takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 10 at the Monmouth County Health Department, 3435 Route 9, Freehold Township.

“We are experiencing a slow period of time with donations, and our collections are very low going deep into the summer vacation season,” said Karen Moore, account manager with the Central Jersey Blood Center. “Giving out the gas cards as a thank you to our donors helps.”

Moore reminds donors that they must eat before donating. They must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 120 pounds. All equipment is sterile and disposable, and donors can give as often as every eight weeks.

“Our hospitals rely on blood drives to keep blood supplies at a safe level,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the county Health Department. “I urge everyone in the county to give blood on a regular basis, and this Monmouth County sponsored blood drive is a good place to start.”

Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary. Call 732-842-5750, ext. 243 or visit the website if you would like to make an appointment.

A mid-summer blood drive is held annually at the Monmouth County Health Department offices in Freehold.