Author: Web Site Administrator

The County of Union wishes to encourage residents to donate blood to agencies that provide life-saving aid for those in need. Agencies such as American Red Cross and New York Blood Center, both of whom have branches in Union County, are facing critical shortfalls as previously planned blood drives have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even as our families, first responders, and community leaders work together to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot forget the needs of those who are at risk from other life-threatening illnesses,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Blood donations are urgently needed for these patients in hospitals across our region, and we urge anyone willing to make a donation to step forward and give blood if they are able.”

Residents who have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to residents unaffected by the virus who are already eligible, can now safely give blood. The American Red Cross holds several blood drives in Union County locations each month, while New York Blood Center has a permanent office in Scotch Plains. For more information and to seek an appointment, please go to https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey.html or https://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/donor-center-locations-march-2020/. Residents can also schedule an appointment with American Red Cross by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS, and with New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.

Three out of the five schools comprising the Union County Vocational-Technical School District have ranked among the top 500 public high schools in the nation, according to a new survey by Newsweek Magazine. The survey compared standardized test scores, graduate rates, and the performance of students in underserved populations, such as black, Hispanic and low-income.

“Union County offers some of the finest public education resources in the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Public education is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support each one of our five Vo-Tech schools.”

The three Vo-Tech schools included in Newsweek’s survey are the Academy for Information Technology (#130), Union County Magnet High School (#131), and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (#207).

Union County Vocational-Technical schools are committed to developing students’ career, decision making and employability skills.

Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth was also included in the top 500, ranking #257 in the nation.

For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit www.ucnj.org or www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Covid-19 Drive Thru test Center will have new hours, effective Monday: the facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the center, regardless of their place of residence. Testing is free.

Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105.

Today the Union County Freeholder Board, Sheriff Peter Corvelli and his officers assisted in the distribution of 14 pallets of fresh and shelf-safe food in partnership with United Way of Greater Union County. The food, donated by Amazon Logistics, was provided to United Way and transferred to  20 local social service agencies that will give it to individuals and families in need throughout Union County.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I thank Amazon, United Way, and our local partners for working together to bring relief to families who are struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The need is great, and I hope this generous donation inspires other acts of giving in our community.”

“Today’s effort builds on our longstanding, collaborative efforts with business leaders, nonprofits and local relief agencies. Thanks to Amazon and United Way, we are able to redouble our efforts to provide assistance to our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who organized the distribution with Freeholder Angela R. Garretson.

“The invaluable partnership with the United Way of Greater Union County and our local municipalities benefit from so many acts of kindness.  The Amazon donations are greatly appreciated, as each substantially advances support for individuals and families in Union County,” said Freeholder Garretson.

“This is a very important milestone in our charge to ensure Union County residents continue to have access to food during this time of the pandemic. Thanks to the continued support of Amazon Logistics, the partnership with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and our community partners, we will be able to help alleviate some of those barriers families face as result of the Coronavirus,” said James W. Horne, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County.

Organizations and businesses and that wish to donate food in Union County can contact Nathalie Hernandez, coordinator of the Union County Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, at nhernandez@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak,  including guidance on the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.