Celebrate National Heart Month by Donating Blood at Baystate Wing Hospital on Feb. 12

PALMER — The community is invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Heart Month by giving the gift of life by donating blood at the Baystate Health blood drive held on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Baystate Wing Hospital from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, blood drives will be held every other month on Wednesdays throughout the year in 2025, on April 16, June 11, Aug. 13, Oct. 15, and Dec. 17.

“There continues to be an urgent need for blood. 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. Be sure to note the specific Baystate Health hospital location when making the appointment.