Baystate Health’s mobile blood donation van. (File photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
WESTFIELD – Westfield Police and Westfield Fire will go head-to-head next week during the 6th Annual Westfield Police vs Westfield Fire Blood Donor Challenge and see which department can gather the most blood in support of Baystate Health hospitals. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday March 7th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Baystate Noble Hospital Blood Donation Center.
For the past three years the Westfield Fire department has won the challenge and holds the trophy.
“This wonderful community event raises awareness about the blood donor program at Baystate Health. There is constant need for blood for our hospitals, especially during a time after the winter months when blood donations tend to plummet due to the excessive cold and flu season and inclement weather,” says Amy Benson, blood donor recruiter at Baystate Health.
The competition has grown over the years to include family members and friends as well as the public. 100% of the blood donated stays in Baystate Health hospitals including Baystate Children’s Hospital and the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care.
The challenge always brings about a healthy competition between the two departments.
“Competition between Westfield Fire and Westfield Police promotes a positive relationship between departments,” said John Camerota, Westfield Police Chief. “We share the same mission to keep our community safe, and we always put service before self. This event is one of three challenges we have with Fire during the year; with the blood challenge being the most important of the three because of the shortage of blood, it is a life-saving event and we need to get involved.”
Mary Regan Chief of Westfield Fire (l) and Sandi Forni, Phlebotomist with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program (Photo courtesy Baystate Noble)
Eligible donors will receive a free gift card to either Dunkin’ Donuts or Big Y as well as be entered to win a variety of raffles from local retailers.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, and weigh over 110 pounds. They must have a valid photo ID, be in good health, have plenty to eat and drink prior to donating, and cannot have donated within the past eight weeks.
To make an appointment, donors can call the Baystate Health blood donor center at 413-794-4600 and walk-ins are always welcome.
