Ware, MA (November 17, 2011) – This holiday season give the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. The community is invited to participate in an upcoming blood drive to be held Monday, December 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital on the Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile. The bloodmobile will be parked in the hospital’s North (visitors) parking lot, located at 85 South Street in Ware.
During this time of year blood donations decrease significantly due to illness and the holidays but the demand for blood remains.
“Recent storms have caused blood supplies to decrease even further and we need your help,” said Cheryl McGrath, recruiter of the Baystate Health blood donor program. “Please help us ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is always available for your friends and loved ones by donating with Baystate Blood Donor Program. One hundred percent of all blood collected on the bloodmobile stays in our community for use in Baystate Health hospitals and facilities. Remember, there is no substitute for human blood,” notes McGrath.
Every eligible donor will receive a $10.00 iTunes gift card and be entered into a raffle to win an iPad 2. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible donors on Friday, December 23rd from all donors during the month of December and will be notified by phone.
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, sore throat; no antibiotics within 48 hours); and you may not have donated blood within the past eight weeks. You can donate if you have had the flu shot or flu mist.
Walk-ins are welcome; or to make an appointment to donate blood, please contact the Rehab Department at 413-967-2180 or Cheryl McGrath by e-mail at cheryl.mcgrath@baystatehealth.org. |
