Baystate Health Moves Blood-donor Operation to Holyoke as Need Increases

SPRINGFIELD — As President Trump left the White House briefing room recently during a coronavirus update, someone shouted out “donate blood!”

It was an important message. The need is so much that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker included blood and platelet donors on his list of essential services issued recently. America faces a severe blood shortage during the coronavirus pandemic, and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams is urging healthy individuals to donate blood as the crisis unfolds.

Until further notice during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baystate Health is relocating all blood and platelet donation to 361 Whitney Ave. in Holyoke.

Blood donations will take place daily, Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are suggested and can be made by calling (413) 794-4600. 

Platelet donations will also occur at Whitney Avenue, but are by appointment only at (413) 794-4600.

Additional protocols are being implemented during the coronavirus pandemic for the safety and health of donors, including pre-screening donors, extra precautionary cleaning, and spacing out donors to comply with social-distancing and group-gathering restrictions.

All eligible donors will receive a ticket to Six Flags (for future use, valid through Jan. 3, 2021) and a gift card to Big Y or Dunkin’ Donuts.

Call the Baystate Health Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600 with questions or to make an appointment.