Baystate challenges blood donors
SPRINGFIELD As the holidays bid a fond farewell for another year, the weeks that follow provide a special challenge for blood donor centers like that found at Baystate Medical Center.
School vacations, the flu, and trying to catch up often leave the blood supply at a below normal level, and to help meet the need, blood centers across the country this year are recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month.
The public can continue their holiday gift giving into January by providing the gift of life to someone with a serious medical condition by donating blood. Donors must be at least age 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have not taken antibiotics within the past several days before giving blood. They must also be in good health, free from sore throat, infection or cold symptoms. New donors will be asked to provide a photo ID.
The Blood Donor Center at Baystate Medical Center is located at 759 Chestnut St. in Springfield. Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Information are available by calling 794-4600 or emailing bill.montiglio@bhs.org.
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