Red Cross issues blood drive schedule for Aug. 1 to 15

Date: 7/23/2014

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The American Red Cross encourages all eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate blood soon to help prevent a shortage.

During the summer months, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed to meet the needs of patients. Vacations and summer activities are among the reasons regular donors may not find the time to give. But, patients don’t get a vacation from needing blood – the need is constant.

Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished. To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities within The Reminder’s circulation area are as follows:

• Aug. 2 – St. Peter’s Church, 34 State Str., Westfield, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Rave Cinemas, 864 Riverdale St., West Springfield, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

• Aug. 4 – Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., Agawam, from 1 to 7 p.m.;

• Aug. 5 – Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee, 580 Meadow St., Chicopee, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Agawam High School Band Parent Association, 760 Cooper St., Agawam, from noon to 6 p.m.;

• Aug. 6 – Springfield City Library Mason Square Branch, 765 State St., Springfield, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

• Aug. 7 – St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 1023 Parker St., Springfield, from noon to 7 p.m.;

• Aug. 9 – Dufresne Park, U.S. 202 and Kendall Street, Granby, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield, 615 Main St., West Springfield, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

• Aug. 11 – The Cedars at St. Anthony’s, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, from 1 to 7 p.m.;

• Aug. 12 – Multicultural Community Services, 3 State St., Westfield, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

• Aug. 13 – Western Massachusetts Hospital, 91 East Mountain Road, Westfield, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

• Aug. 15 – Hampden County Physician Associates, 98 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.