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Date: 8/10/2015
GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help prevent a blood shortage.
Blood donations often decline in August as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. On average, during the summer months, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed.
Donations are needed now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Donors with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to donate. Plasma from type AB donors can be transfused to patients of any blood type, as can type O negative blood. Type B negative and A negative blood can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients. These are the most in demand blood types and are in constant need.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
The Springfield Blood Donation Center is located at 150 Brookdale Drive and is open Monday to Wednesday, 12:45 to 6:30 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional local blood donation opportunities include:
Aug. 18: Noon to 6 p.m., Moose Family Center, 244 Fuller Road.
Aug. 19: 1 to 7 p.m., Continuum Performance Center, 18 Maple Court.
Aug. 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St.
Aug. 23: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St.
Aug. 31: 1 to 7 p.m., Storrs Public Library, 693 Longmeadow St.
Aug. 21: Noon to 5 p.m., Plan B Burger, 1000 West Columbus Ave.
Aug. 28: 1 to 6 p.m., Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St.
Aug. 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Five Guys, 437 E. Main St.
Aug. 31: Noon to 5:30 p.m., Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center, 53 Mill St.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.