HCN News & Notes

Baystate Health’s Bloodmobile Coming to Ware Jan. 24

WARE — January is National Blood Donor month. During the winter season, busy holiday schedules, inclement weather, and illness cause a drop in donor activity, making blood donations in January critical.

The Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile will host a blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Baystate Mary Lane on the Baystate Health Bloodmobile. In appreciation, all eligible donors will receive a Dunkin’ Donuts or Big Y Gift card. The bloodmobile will be parked in the north (visitors) parking lot, located at 85 South St. in Ware. 

“Please help us to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available by donating blood with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program,” said Deb Oberg, co-coordinator of the blood drive to be held in Ware. “One donation helps to save two lives, and 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of all blood collected on the bloodmobile stays in our community for use in Baystate Health hospitals and facilities.”

Maryann Burian, who joins Oberg in the planning and coordination of the mobile blood drives, added that “there is no substitute for human blood.”

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 throat), and not have donated blood within the past eight weeks. 

For more information or to book an appointment, call Oberg or Burian at (413) 967-2180.