Save Lives with Southcoast This Summer: Donate Blood
Summertime in southeastern
Massachusetts is a time for
exploring the harbor, biking to the
beach and just being active. With
all the lures of warmer weather, it’s easy
to forget to donate blood. But neighbors
and loved ones still get sick — and are
more likely to be injured —
in the summer.
“While blood donations are vital throughout the year, our greatest demand is during the summer,” said Maureen Brown, MT (ASCP), who oversees the Southcoast Blood Bank located at St. Luke’s Hospital.
at St. Luke’s Hospital. “Each year we collect about 6,000 units of blood from the community — all of which stays in the community,” Brown said. “While that sounds like a lot, it only covers about 80 percent of what we use at St. Luke’s alone.”
Donating Blood Is Easier Than Ever
The Southcoast Health Van makes donating blood quick and convenient. In addition to offering free education and health screenings, the van is a blood donation station on wheels that seats five donors at a time. It’s even equipped to start processing blood before it reaches the hospital, so blood can be used as quickly as possible. The van is out in the South Coast region nearly every day and collects blood several times a week.
The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke’s Hospital is also open every day except Sunday for donations. Appointments are requested, but not necessary.
Who Can Donate Blood?
If you are older than 18, weigh more than 110 pounds and are in good health, you fit the bill.
“We want to reach out and remind people in the community that their neighbors rely on them,” Brown said. “Donating blood only takes 30 minutes — and I can’t think of an easier way to make someone else’s life better. You could even save a life with this wonderful gift.”
For more information on donating blood, please visit the
Southcoast website at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank, or
call 