PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
May 13, 2013

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee Kicks Off “Super Community Blood Drive” Campaign to Raise Awareness About the Critical Need for Blood Donations in New York and New Jersey

Campaign to Include Thousands of Blood Drives in Run-Up to 2014 Super Bowl

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY - May 13, 2013 - The 2014 New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee, in partnership with the New York Blood Center, American Red Cross Blood Services NY-Penn Region and New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition, today announced the launch of the Super Community Blood Drive, which is aimed at motivating people to donate blood for patients in New York and New Jersey who need blood transfusions for traumatic injuries, illnesses and surgeries. The blood drive campaign, which will encompass the five boroughs of New York City as well as Westchester, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the State of New Jersey, will begin on May 24 and run through January 17, 2014.

The Super Community Blood Drive (http://nynjsuperbowl.com/give-back/give-blood), which represents a unique collaboration between two states to increase the blood supply, is expected to include thousands of drives in the run-up to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. The launch comes at an important time of the year because donations tend to decrease during the summer months. Donors with all blood types are needed. One pint of blood from a single donor can save up to three lives.

"We are proud to partner with the New York Blood Center, American Red Cross Blood Services NY-Penn Region and New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition," said Alfred F. Kelly Jr., President & CEO of the 2014 New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee. "Giving the gift of life through a blood donation is critically important so we encourage everyone who is eligible to roll up their sleeves and give blood."

Every person who donates blood as part of the campaign will receive a red Super Community Blood Drive wristband and the opportunity to win tickets to Super Bowl XLVIII.

"Hospitals need blood every day for trauma cases, elective surgeries and routine care," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd, who co-chairs the New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition. "The Super Community Blood Drive is a unique opportunity to reach thousands of new donors in both states and increase the blood supply. Please think about taking the time to donate this summer in the name of your favorite sports team to help alleviate the blood shortage - one donation can save three lives."

O'Dowd added: "Governor Christie and the Department of Health have been working over the last several years to increase blood donations in New Jersey. This partnership has the potential to dramatically increase the number of donors in New Jersey, which will have a lasting impact on the blood supply."

Every blood donation helps to ensure that blood is available when it is needed. One in seven patients entering a hospital will need blood, according to America's Blood Centers.

"Our community blood supply depends on thousands of volunteer donors each and every day," said New York Blood Center Vice President Rob Purvis. "Along with the knowledge that they're saving lives, we're thrilled that donors will have the chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl."

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Donors should bring valid photo identification, wear comfortable clothing and drink more fluids than normal on the day they plan to give blood.

"The American Red Cross is excited about the opportunity to be part of this historic partnership and values the commitment of the Super Bowl Host Committee and football fans to support lifesaving blood donations," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications for the American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Division. "Combining the excitement of the Super Bowl with community blood drives will help ensure we can continue to meet the needs of hospitals and patients."

"Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is proud to join with the New Jersey Department of Health and our fellow Coalition members to encourage all businesses, community organizations, government entities, and schools to make a commitment to supporting blood donation during the Super Community Blood Drive," said Kevin Rigby, co-chair of the New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition and Vice President of Public Affairs for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and US Country Head of Public Affairs. "I especially call on all employers to make it easy and convenient for employees to give blood by hosting their own blood drives, partnering with other organizations to host blood drives, or encouraging employees to give blood outside of the workplace."

If you live or work in New York, please visit https://support.nybloodcenter.org/superdrives or www.redcrossblood.org/superdrives to find out more about how to donate.

If you live or work in New Jersey, please visit www.njsave3lives.com to find out more about how to donate. 

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About the 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee
In an unprecedented decision by NFL team owners, the New York/New Jersey region was awarded the 2014 Super Bowl on May 25, 2010.

 

Last Reviewed: 5/13/2013