Plan Your Care

Blood Drive Supports Critical Need - Open To The Public

Milton, Mass. – Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton (BID Milton) will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, August 16, from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.

According to the American Red Cross, the organization has an emergency need for lifesaving blood amid the ongoing severe national blood shortage. Blood and platelet donations continue to be critical to meet demand and the public is urged to make an appointment to donate blood at the hospital, located at 199 Reedsdale Road, in Milton.

"We are so grateful for the support of our community, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," said Richard Fernandez, president, BID Milton. "And given the current blood shortages, we're now asking our wonderful community members, their families and friends to support us further through this blood drive, which just may help save the life of someone who could be a family member, coworker, friend or neighbor."

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.

"Blood is a precious and life-giving resource. Currently we are facing a severe shortage of blood products and an ample supply is critical to keep our patients and our community safe," said Shweta Shinagare, MD, chief of Pathology, BID Milton. "With its limited shelf life, the blood supply can only be replenished by donors and we are grateful for the community's generosity."

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.

"Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet current demand," said Holly Grant, CEO of the Red Cross of Massachusetts. "We could not get through a blood shortage like this without the support of our regular blood donors as well as blood drive sponsors like Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton who provide a clean, comfortable and welcoming space for donors to roll up a sleeve."

All blood drive participants will be screened upon entry to the hospital and will remain masked during the entire process. Parking is free and valet parking may also be used. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or sign up online at http://www.redcrossblood.org/give with sponsor code BIDMILTON.