WESTFIELD – Baystate Health is yet another organization across the country that is heavily involved with donating blood to those who are in need. The Baystate Health blood bank currently has a shortage of blood, and with January being national blood donor month, it is important that the blood donations increase.
“It’s always an urgent need at this time of year,” said Amy Benson, who is a blood donor recruiter at Baystate Health.
Benson of course points to the holiday season as a cause for blood shortage, but also due to the cold and flu season.
According to Benson, the blood bank was recently at an emergency level for O and A blood types. Both being important, O negative is universal, as anyone can receive it. But, O positive is about 85% of the total population in America.
“I just think that’s a huge number,” said Benson.
Benson said that there are a number of opportunities locally for people to donate blood in the near future.
The blood donor center at Baystate Noble Hospital will be open coming up on Jan. 26 and Feb. 1, for those who want to donate blood. (WNG File Photo)
The Blood Donor Center at Baystate Noble Hospital is open twice a month and the next two donor opportunities will be on Jan. 26 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Benson mentioned that the blood drive center at Noble Hospital offers free valet parking for anyone who will be donating blood.
“Take advantage of the free valet parking, it’s there,” said Benson.
Baystate Health runs a mobile blood drive six days a week and there will be two places in Westfield in the coming weeks. St. Mary’s High School on Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Westfield City Hall on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“There are plenty of opportunities for Westfield to come out and donate,” said Benson. “It’s a very selfless act of kindness.”
A gift card will be given to either Big Y or Dunkin Donuts will be offered to those who donate blood.
For more information about the blood donor program at Baystate Health or the upcoming events in the Westfield area, go to Baystatehealth.org. You can also contact Benson at 413- 322-4125.
