HMC Blood-drawing Stations Expand in Chicopee, Add to Convenience

CHICOPEE — The Phlebotomy Department at Holyoke Medical Center has expanded to numerous spots outside the facility, including a newly opened blood-drawing station in Chicopee.

“We have an outstanding phlebotomy team, and together we try to make our patients feel happy and safe,” said HMC Inpatient Phlebotomy Supervisor Elizabeth Clark. “We put our best foot forward and do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.”

One way the Phlebotomy Department has helped make patients’ lives easier is to provide drawing stations in five locations around the Greater Holyoke and Chicopee area. Blood samples for just about any type of test, including cholesterol levels, blood-cell counts, and blood sugar can be drawn at the sites.

A new station recently opened at 505 Front St. in Chicopee.

Frank Vasquez, outreach supervisor for the department, said the new location is convenient for residents who live near Chicopee Center and is also very close to northern parts of Springfield.

“The building is new, the parking is excellent, and we have terrific hours,” Vasquez said. “It’s also right off the highway, so it’s easy to drive to.”

While phlebotomy may be an unfamiliar term to some, it simply refers to the medical specialty of drawing blood. While phlebotomists are highly trained medical professionals, their bedside manner is almost as important, and the staff at Holyoke Medical Center’s blood drawing stations pride themselves on creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for their patients.

An additional service offered is home draws. Patients who are homebound and whose conditions prohibit them from getting to the draw stations can make an appointment through their physician.

“We will go out any time, in any weather,” said Clark, adding that the department does its best to send the same phlebotomist out to the same patients every time, in order to elevate the comfort level even further.

Following is information about the blood-drawing sites.

260 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Phone: (413) 536-6766

10 Hospital Dr., Suite 203, Holyoke
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-2 p.m.)
Phone: (413) 534-2791

Holyoke Health Center, first floor, 230 Maple St., Holyoke
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (413) 420-2165

Holyoke Medical Center
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7-11 a.m.
Phone: (413) 534-2500, ext. 5242

505 Front St., Chicopee
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (413) 420-6237