Saint Clare's Hospital sponsors three holiday blood drives

Sussex — In cooperation with New Jersey Blood Services, Saint Clare’s will be hosting blood drives in Denville, Dover and Sussex. The blood drives are being held to help address the critical blood shortage usually experienced during the holiday season. Of the dates listed below, the Denville drive will also accept a limited number of platelet donations. Platelet donation, referred to medically as apheresis, involves blood being taken from one arm and channeled through a machine that removes the platelets from the blood. The remaining portion of the blood is returned to the donor via the other arm. Platelets, essential to normal blood clotting, are used in the treatment of cancer patients, accident victims, patients with blood disorders, and bone marrow transplant patients. For the donor, platelets are regenerated fairly quickly, usually within three days. Saint Clare’s Hospital/Dover will hold a blood drive the Conference Room, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Saint Clare’s Hospital/Denville will hold a blood drive in the Urban Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Dec. 28. Saint Clare’s Hospital/Sussex will hold a blood drive in the Mobile Blood Van in the hospital parking lot, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Dec. 28. To set up a donation appointment, call New Jersey Blood Services at 1-800-933-BLOOD (1-800-933-2566). Walk-in appointments are welcome as well.