FRONT LINE FATHER AND DAUGHTER HELP RWJ SOMERSET’S BLOOD BANK AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
Warren Township Police Department Community Blood Drive helped fight blood shortages and boost local businesses
SOMERVILLE, NJ, May 22, 2020 - For Warren Township Police Chief William Keane, helping people is in his blood.
His daughter, Lauren, is a nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. When she was asked to help in the Intensive Care Unit after the COVID-19 outbreak began, Chief Keane wanted to do something for the local hospital that serves our community. Lauren had an idea.
“She had suggested donating blood to RWJUH Somerset’s hospital blood bank,” he said, “I felt it was an important cause and having the drive at our headquarters gives our residents a safe place to come and do their part.”
The idea was so successful that all the registration slots for the Warren Township Police Department Community Blood Drive were filled almost as quickly as they opened. Police, municipal and community members rolled up their sleeves on May 20, donating 29 units of blood to stock the hospital’s blood bank in advance of the summer season - a time when statewide blood shortages are common.
“This is a community reaching out to support their local hospital and patients in need in a very real way,” said Watsie Lakhraj, supervisor of RWJUH Somerset’s Blood Services. “We’re proud of all of our nurses and first responders. Lauren and William Keane are the best examples of selfless generosity.”
She continued, “I’m proud to be part of a community that has shouldered each other in a time of such uncertainties. Humanitarian support at the local level is inspiring to our youth and reflects on who we are as we move forward to stay safe and healthy.”
In addition to helping patients, the Warren Township Police Department used the event to boost local businesses. The Warren Township PBA Local 235 donated restaurant gift cards to donors as a way of helping small businesses in the township.
“It was an additional incentive to give blood, and at the same time, will generate some business for our local restaurants,” said Chief Keane.
He continued, “We are always grateful for the constant support of our Township Committee, residents and local businesses. I feel this blood drive was a unique way to show our support for families who may be suffering with sick loved ones and local businesses that are facing economic challenges.”
Donors who are interested in giving blood are urged to call RWJUH Somerset Blood Services at 908-685-2926 or visit www.RWJUHDonorClub.org to schedule an appointment. Special disinfection and social distancing precautions are in place due to the coronavirus and walk-in appointments are temporarily suspended; appointments are required for hospital donor room and blood drive donations.