Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-16) will host a community blood drive TOMORROW, October 12, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville. The drive is open to the public and members of the media are encouraged to attend to spread the word about the need to combat New Jersey’s severe blood shortage.

Click here to sign up online and schedule your blood donation.

Who: Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerest, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon), local blood donors, and RWJUH Somerset and Steeplechase Cancer Center Hospital Officials

What: Community Blood Drive to combat a statewide blood shortage. All donations will remain on site to treat patients at the hospital. The blood drive will also feature free pizza and a raffle to win a $25 gift card.

When: Tomorrow, Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 2 to 7 p.m. Senator Bateman will arrive at 2 p.m. to donate blood. The drive is open to the public and the press. Register online or walk in any time between 2 and 7 p.m. to donate.

Where: Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, located at 30 Rehill Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Availability: Open. Senator Bateman will be available for interviews with the press.

Contact: For media inquiries, contact Emily Everson, Senate Republican Office, 609-847-3600. For questions on donating blood, contact Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Blood Services, 908-685-2926.

“We have already seen an outpouring of support for tomorrow’s blood drive and I am so grateful to everyone who has answered our call for action, but there are still spots available,” Senator Bateman said. “Local hospitals are in dire need of donations – both to treat current patients and to make sure they are prepared for emergencies in our community. The solution to this crisis is simple. Just one blood donation can save three lives. Hope to see you there.”

Senator Bateman has donated 29 gallons of blood since his first donation in 1980. He has hosted a fall blood drive at the Steeplechase Cancer Center every year for the past three years.

Anyone age 17 and up, or 16 with parental consent is welcome to donate at tomorrow’s drive. First-time donors are also encouraged to participate. Walk-ins are welcome. Blood donors should feel well at the time of donation, drink plenty of fluids, eat a good meal before donating, and bring photo identification.

Donors who have questions regarding whether health conditions, medications and travel would preclude them from donating should call Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Blood Services at 908-685-2926.