During trauma awareness month in May, Baystate Health urges eligible donors to help patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs by donating blood. Your donation could help save lives and make it possible for people to return to normal life after a serious injury. “There is no substitute for blood,” says Nicole VanZandt, Supervisor of the Blood Donor Services at Baystate Medical Center. “We rely on the community and Baystate staff to help supply our blood bank.”
Why Donate Blood?
Baystate Medical Center is the only American College of Surgeons verified level 1 trauma center in western Massachusetts. The nurses, doctors, and surgeons who make up Baystate’s trauma team are specially trained to treat traumatic injuries. Seriously injured patients have an increased survival rate of 25% in comparison to those not treated at a level 1 center. One of the most critical resources needed at a trauma center is a reliable blood supply. “One trauma can take up to 50 units of blood,” says VanZandt. Every second counts when treating a trauma patient and having blood close at hand for transfusion can make a difference in saving someone’s life. “You are not going to stop a gunshot or a car accident from coming through the doors,” says VanZandt. “The Transfusion Service would like the trauma center, doctors, and nurses to have what they need, when they need it.”
How Does Donating Blood Help Save Lives?
Baystate Health transfuses an average of 15,000 units of blood a year. Patients rely on donations in a wide range of circumstances, including childbirth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments, and many others. “We work hard every day to keep our inventory levels stocked,” says VanZandt. “The blood we collect at Baystate stays 100% in western Mass and helps the local community.”
Donating blood is a simple, meaningful way to give back and to help support our patients.
What to Expect
Here’s what to expect when you donate blood:
When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll first complete a health history and mini-physical exam.
For a whole blood donation, about 1 pint of blood is collected. It usually takes about 10 minutes to donate blood.
Afterwards, you will be encouraged to relax for 15 minutes while you enjoy some refreshments. Once you’ve rested, you will be able to return to your normal activities—but you should avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day and be sure to drink plenty of fluids over the next 24 hours.
The entire process including the questionnaire, interview, physical, and blood draw takes about 30-40 minutes.
How Many Lives are Saved by Donating Blood?
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
- Approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used every day in the U.S.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
- About one in seven people entering a hospital need blood.
Who is Eligible to Give Blood?
Donors must be 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds, be in generally good health, and have a photo ID. Donors are able to give blood every eight weeks.
How to Donate Blood
The Blood Donor Center is located at Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA on Daly 1. The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 8am-4:30pm and Fridays 8am-12pm. Masks are required to enter the hospital and to donate blood. Scheduling appointments ahead of time also ensures that the Blood Donor Center is not over-crowded and social distancing efforts are in effect.
To make an appointment, please call: 413-794-4600
Learn more about Baystate’s Blood Donation Program.