Baystate Health Mobile Blood Donation Team Coming to Palmer on July 27

PALMER —The Baystate Health Blood Donation team will host a blood drive at Baystate Wing Hospital on Wednesday, July 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Blood donations drop during the summer months because schools are out and families become busy with summer activities and vacations. The need for blood, however, never takes a holiday,” said Nicole VanZandt, supervisor of BRL Blood Donor Services. “When you donate blood to Baystate Health, your precious gift remains in our local communities. Please help us to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available this summer by donating blood with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program.”

Blood donations can be lifesaving for many people facing health conditions or problems that might require a transfusion, including cancer, trauma or injuries, operations, blood disorders, and pregnancy and birth.

“There is no substitute for human blood,” VanZandt said. “Blood donations take approximately one hour to complete, including the interview, donation, and refreshments. To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID, be in good health (no colds or sore throat), and have not donated blood within the past eight weeks.”

The Baystate Health Mobile Blood Donation Team will be hosting monthly blood drives at Baystate Wing Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer, in Snow Conference Room C. In appreciation, all eligible donors will receive a $10 gift card or a Big E ticket while supplies last.

For more information or to book an appointment to donate blood, call the Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600, and note Baystate Wing Hospital as the location you would like to make your donation.