The Jersey City Police Officer Benevolent Association (POBA) is teaming up with Rutgers alumni Jason and Devin McCourtey, both whom have at least one Super Bowl ring, for their “Tackle Sickle Cell” event on Sunday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Jersey City is blessed to have the McCourty twins, Super Bowl champions and professional sports broadcasters, using their platform to support families battling sickle cell,” Jersey City POBA Vice President Letia Nalls said in a statement.
“This blood drive is important because it lets those who are battling sickle cell know that our community cares.”
The event will be hosted at the NJCU Gillian Student Union Building MPR Room, located at 2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in Jersey City, on Sunday, February 23rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone who wishes to register can do so here.
In 2013, Jason and Devin McCourty launched their Tackle Sickle Cell Campaign in partnership with Embrace Kids Foundation, based out of New Brunswick.
Their aim is educating the public, increasing blood donations and raising money and awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease.
To date, Tackle Sickle Cell has raised close to $3 million net profit to support families battling sickle cell, according to their website.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects about 100,000 people in the United States: More than 90 percent are Black/African-American, and an estimated 3 to 9 percent are Hispanic or Latino, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
One of the primary treatments for sickle cell disease are blood transfusions.
Other sponsors for the event include New Jersey Blood Services, Healthier JC, All About Us Juneteenth Festival, NoYouthWasted, New Jersey City University, Hot 97, Jersey Mike’s (Bayonne franchise) and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter).
Those who donate blood will receive an exclusive autographed photo, free ticket to the 2025 All About Us Juneteenth Festival, and a chance to win a 2025 Summer Jam ticket raffle, officials said.
