Scotch Plains Blood Drive Set for Sunday at IHM Parish

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scotch Plains hosted a community blood drive on Sunday, August 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church at 1571 Martine Ave. The drive was organized by Knights of Columbus Fr. Nelligan Council 5730 in partnership with New Jersey Blood Services, bringing together faith community and health services to support local blood supply.

Blood donation plays a critical role in emergency response, medical procedures, and ongoing patient care. The partnership between the Knights of Columbus and New Jersey Blood Services demonstrates how community organizations can mobilize their spaces and membership to support essential health needs.

To donate, donors must meet specific eligibility requirements set by New Jersey Blood Services. You must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a parental consent form. Minimum weight requirements also apply. On the day of the drive, you need to be feeling well and symptom-free. Donors are advised to bring a photo ID, eat a good meal beforehand, and drink plenty of water to prepare for donation.

For full eligibility details, New Jersey Blood Services lists its requirements at nybc.org/eligibility. The resource provides comprehensive information about who can donate and how to prepare.

Scotch Plains residents interested in future blood drive opportunities should contact local churches, community centers, and municipal offices. Union County Life covers Scotch Plains community health initiatives, charitable events, and local news. Find more Scotch Plains events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What was the Scotch Plains blood drive?
A: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scotch Plains hosted a community blood drive on August 30, 2026, organized by Knights of Columbus Fr. Nelligan Council 5730 in partnership with New Jersey Blood Services.

Q: What are the age requirements for blood donation?
A: You must be at least 17 years old to donate blood. Donors age 16 can donate with a parental consent form.

Q: What other requirements must I meet to donate?
A: In addition to age requirements, donors must meet minimum weight requirements, feel well and be symptom-free on the day of donation, and bring a photo ID.

Q: How should I prepare to donate blood?
A: Eat a good meal beforehand and drink plenty of water. Bring a photo ID to the blood drive.

Q: Where can I find full eligibility details?
A: New Jersey Blood Services lists complete eligibility requirements at nybc.org/eligibility.

Q: Why is blood donation important?
A: Blood donation supports emergency response, medical procedures, and ongoing patient care in hospitals and medical facilities.

Q: How can I participate in future blood drives in Scotch Plains?
A: Contact local churches, community centers, and municipal offices for information about upcoming blood drive opportunities. Union County Life covers community health events and charitable initiatives in Scotch Plains.