Baystate Health’s Mobile Blood Donation Team Coming to Palmer in 2023

PALMER — Due to the holiday season and a surge in winter illnesses, Baystate Health’s blood supply has dwindled, and there is an urgent need for blood donors. The Baystate Health Blood Donation team will host a blood drive at Baystate Wing Hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, blood drives will be held the first Wednesday of every other month throughout the year at Baystate Wing, including on April 5, June 7, Aug. 2, Oct. 4, and Dec. 6.

“When you donate blood to Baystate Health, your precious gift remains in our local communities,” said Nicole VanZandt, supervisor of BRL Blood Donor Services. “Please help us to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available by donating blood with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program.

“There is no substitute for human blood,” she added. “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.”

Blood drives will be held at Baystate Wing Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer, in Snow Conference Room C. In appreciation, all eligible donors will receive a $10 gift card. For more information or to book an appointment to donate blood, call the Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600, and note the hospital location where you would like to make your donation when making the appointment.