Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile Slates Blood Drive for June 22

GREENFIELD — The Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile will host a blood drive on Monday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Emergency Department parking lot at Baystate Franklin Medical Center (corner of High and Sanderson streets). All blood types are needed. Eligible blood donors will receive a one-day pass to Six Flags New England.

“It’s summer — a time when accidents can happen, and a time when people are planning vacations,” said Sandy Rose, blood donor support recruiter with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program. “Before you take off on vacation, we could use your help in keeping our blood supply available all through the summer.

“There is no substitute for human blood. The only way our family, friends, and neighbors can receive this life-saving gift is through your generosity. Your support will help ensure that a safe and adequate blood supply is always available,” she continued, adding that 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of all blood collected stays in the community for use in Baystate Health hospitals and facilities.

Blood donations take approximately one hour to complete, including the interview, donation, and refreshments. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID, be in good health (no colds or sore throats, and no antibiotics within 48 hours), and not have donated blood within the past eight weeks. Individuals who have had the flu vaccine or flu mist are allowed to donate.

“Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat well prior to your donation,” Rose said. “For those of you low in iron, include lots of leafy greens.”

Appointments and pre-registration are recommended; however, walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, call the Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600 or e-mail katrina.reinholz@baystatehealth.org. Indicate the approximate time you wish to donate, your birth date, your phone number, and whether or not this will be your first donation within Baystate Health. If you have questions about your health history, medications, or your ability to donate, or would like to inquire about hosting a blood drive at your business or civic organization, e-mail katrina.reinholz@baystatehealth.org.