Blood donors June 6 get free ice cream

Wantage — A blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the new LabCorp Patient Service Center on 11 Boulder Hills Blvd. in the Wantage Town Center on Route 23. Organizers say the drive is being held in an effort to meet the urgency of the community’s increasing need for blood. Donors will be given free ice cream and snacks. Blood center officials note that each unit of blood donated is broken down into several components including platelets, plasma and red cells so one donation can save up to three lives. The donation process begins with a series of medical history questions and the donor is given a mini-health check, including pulse, blood pressure and iron level. Donors also receive a free cholesterol screening. Donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 120 pounds and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for donors provided they meet health requirements. Donors should bring a signed or picture form of identification and know their Social Security number. Prior to giving blood, donors should eat a meal at least one hour before and drink plenty of water. For those who have recently traveled outside of the United States, call the blood center at 973-676-4700, ext. 132 for eligibility criteria. For more information or to sign up, call Karen Schrak at 973-270-5739 or the Blood Center at 1-800-652-5663 Ext. 160.