Baystate Health Blood Mobile to Hold Blood Drive Oct. 20

GREENFIELD — The Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile will host a blood drive on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Emergency Department parking lot, off Sanderson Street. All blood types are needed. Eligible blood donors will receive their choice of a Dunkin’ Donuts or Big Y gift card.

Blood donations take approximately 40-45 minutes 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, sore throat), and have not donated blood within the past eight weeks. They should also have a good meal prior to donating, drink plenty of fluids, and bring along any lists of medications they currently taking.

“There is no substitute for human blood,” said Amy Benson, blood donor support recruiter with the Baystate Health Blood Donor program. “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 added that 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of all blood collected on the Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile stays in the community for use in all Baystate Health hospitals.

Appointments and pre-registration are recommended; however, walk-ins are also welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (413) 794-4600.