You are using an older version of Internet Explorer that is not supported on this site. Please upgrade for the best experience.

How to Give Blood

To give blood at Baystate Medical Center, schedule online:

Schedule Now

Heart_Shaped_Blood_Cell_Image735

Blood Donation at the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program

Make an Appointment to Donate Blood at Baystate Medical Center

To make an appointment, you can schedule online or call 413-794-4600.

Our blood donation center is located at Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, Massachusetts on Daly 1. The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 8 am - 4:30 pm and Fridays 8 am – 12 pm. 

Make an Appointment to Donate at a Community Hospital Blood Drive

Online scheduling is not available for community hospital blood drives. To make an appointment, call 413-794-4600.

The Baystate Health Blood Donation team will host blood drives at Baystate Franklin Hospital, Baystate Noble Hospital, and Baystate Wing Hospital.

Donors will receive a $10 gift card to Dunkin', Amazon, or Big Y.

2024 Blood Drive Dates

Baystate Franklin

The blood drives will be held from 8:30 am – 2 pm in the Old Endoscopy Suite (First Floor) on:

  • January 17
  • February 14
  • March 13
  • April 17
  • May 15
  • June 12
  • July 17
  • August 14
  • September 18
  • October 16
  • November 13
  • December 18

Baystate Noble

The blood drives will be held from 8:30 am – 2 pm on:

  • January 8
  • March 4
  • May 6
  • July 8
  • September 9
  • November 4

Baystate Wing

The blood drives will be held from 8:30 am – 2 pm in Snow Conference Room “C” on:

  • February 7
  • April 10
  • June 5
  • August 7
  • October 9
  • December 11

Schedule a Break Down Blood Drive At Your Location

Baystate Health Blood Donor program is happy to work with businesses and individuals alike to host a break down blood drive. Whether you are looking for a team building activity or to honor a loved one, giving back to our community with a blood donation can help save up to three lives.

Email Judy Maylott to organize a blood drive. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Donation

If you're considering donating blood, you probably have questions.

Here are some of the most common questions from blood donors:

Should I eat before donating blood?

Yes, we recommend a meal or a snack within four hours before donating.

How is blood used?

A gift of whole blood is usually divided into red cells and plasma, so that one gift can help more than one individual.

Premature infants, surgical patients, accident victims, and persons with leukemia and other diseases often require blood transfusions.

How often can you donate blood?

You can donate whole blood every 56 days and up to five times each year.

Platelet donors, who take part in a special process called apheresis, can donate as frequently as every 48 hours, or 24 times each year.

What are the requirements for donating blood?

Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no maximum age limit.

I tried donating blood, but my iron was too low. Does that mean I shouldn't donate again?

No! Iron levels fluctuate all the time.

To keep your iron levels up, include the below items in your diet:

  • Beef and turkey
  • Beef liver and chicken liver
  • Canned sardines (with oil)
  • Clams and mollusks
  • Mussels and oysters
  • Broccoli
  • Cooked beans
  • Dried apricots
  • Iron-enriched cereals
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Squash seeds
  • Tofu
  • Nutrition drink mixes
  • Carnation instant breakfast
  • Ovaltine
  • Prune juice
  • Tomato juice
  • Vegetable juice

Can I donate my own blood for an upcoming procedure?

You cannot donate blood to yourself.

Do I need to know my blood type in order to donate?

No.

Will you tell me my blood type?

Yes!

About four weeks after your first donation to Baystate Health, we will know your blood type and can share it with you in person during your next donation.

I want to donate, but I would like to ask a question about deferrals first. How can I do that?

Contact our Donor Center at 413-794-4600 during the hours we are open: Monday – Thursday 8 am - 4:30 pm and Fridays 8 am – 12 pm.

How much blood do you donate?

You will give about 1 pint of blood during a single donation. An average adult has about 10 pints of blood in their body.

Does the blood stay within my local community?

When you donate blood to Baystate Health, your precious gift remains in our local communities.

How do I know if my blood is safe for patient use?

Following your donation, we will test your blood t o make sure your blood or platelets are safe for patient use. We'll notify you of any abnormal findings.

Our Locations