RWJ Somerset hosting blood drive to celebrate Pride Month

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset in Somerville will host a community blood drive on June 3 to celebrate Pride Month.

The community blood drive runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at RWJUH Somerset, 110 Rehill Ave. There will be giveaways for all donors.

RWJUH Somerset’s Babs Siperstein Proud Center offers specialized primary care services to LGBTQ+ adults.

Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds (120 pounds if 16 years old), and present photo identification. If the donor has a history of viral hepatitis at age 11 or older or is recovering from an infectious illness, they are ineligible to donate.

RWJBarnabas Health revised the system’s blood donor process in October 2023 by introducing the Individual Donor Assessment (IDA) questionnaire, which made donations more inclusive, extending blood donation opportunities to more people. Under the FDA guidelines, all potential donors, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender, or sex, will undergo screening using a modified questionnaire that assesses the risk of HIV based on individual sexual behavior, recent partners, and other relevant factors.

All blood donations undergo comprehensive testing, ensuring their safety for patients by screening for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B and C, West Nile Virus, and other bloodborne infectious diseases.

All donors must register for the blood drive by visiting rwjuhdonorclub.org or by calling 908-685-2926. Bring a photo ID and be sure to eat and drink prior to donating.

Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for MyCentralJersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: RWJ Somerset hosting blood drive to celebrate Pride Month