Blood For Super Bowl Tickets? [AUDIO]

A massive, two-state blood drive is underway. It runs through January 17, 2014, a couple of weeks before MetLife Stadium hosts Super Bowl XLVIII.

The 2014 New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee has partnered with health officials in both states to increase their blood supply. All participating donors will receive a special wristband and the opportunity to win tickets to next year's big game.

"We anticipate thousands of blood drives to take place over the course of the next several months," said Mary O'Dowd, New Jersey Health Commissioner.

The program's launch comes at an important time of year because donations tend to decrease during the summer months.

"We know that one-in-seven patients will need blood if they're entering the hospital. We know that all blood types are needed," O'Dowd added. "And we know that a single blood donation, one pint of blood, could save up to three lives."

Hospitals are on a continual quest of maintaining an adequate level of blood. Without it, a hospital may have to cut back on the number of procedures and surgeries it performs.

Organizations across the state are participating in the months-long drive, including the Community Blood Council of New Jersey.