VERNON, New Jersey ??” Mountain Creek resort will host a blood drive on Sunday, February 6, 2005. Community Blood Services (CBS) is coordinating the event with Patti O’Brien at Mountain Creek. The Blood Drive will be held from 10:00am until 2:00pm in the Mezzanine at Mountain Creek’s South Lodge located on Route 94 in Vernon. All blood donors will receive a complimentary lift ticket courtesy of Mountain Creek.

Someone needs blood every 2.5 seconds and you can save up to three lives by donating. Registration and the blood donation will take approximately 45 minutes. The CBS-trained technicians will ensure your experience is comfortable and pleasant.

CBS provides blood and blood products to over 34 hospitals in the area. Blood centers nationwide are facing critical shortages due to the low donor turnout customary during the winter. Currently, CBS is in critical need of all types of blood, especially Types O, as well as platelets, which are used primarily to treat patients suffering from cancer. The center has less than one-day supply of blood on its shelves.

With the nation’s blood supply at an all time low, CBS encourages you to give the patients in our community the chance for life. “Donating blood is one of the best ways people can help. Mountain Creek is honored to partner with CBS for this great cause. Together we can save lives,” said Shannon McSweeney, Communications Manager for Mountain Creek.

In order to donate blood you must be 17-75 years old, weigh over 110 lbs., not have had dental work in the preceding four days, be in general good health and have identification. You will receive a free cholesterol check. Please eat a good meal prior to donating and be aware that it is not advisable to plan on skiing or engaging in other strenuous physical activity after donating blood.

Community Blood Services is part of America’s Blood Centers, a network of non-profit community blood centers that provide nearly half of the nation’s blood supply.