HINGHAM — The Town of Hingham will host a blood drive later this month through the American Red Cross, open to all eligible residents.
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Hingham Senior Center, 224 Central St.
WHO:
Anyone at least 17 years old can donate blood, so long as they are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. In Massachusetts, a 16-year-old may donate blood as well but is required to have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to donating. There is no upper age limit for donating, so long as the individual is feeling healthy and well and meets the other criteria.
WHAT:
Blood donations help save lives, and are desperately needed. The country is facing its worst blood supply shortage in over a decade, and eligible residents can do their part to address this serious need. Hospital patients rely on donors to help ensure blood is available for the lifesaving treatments they need. It’s one of the most powerful ways to give to those in need.
There are three ways to schedule a blood donation appointment for this drive:
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code “Hingham”
- Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Call 1-800-REDCROSS
All donors will be given a water bottle through the American Red Cross.
Residents are also encouraged to follow the Town of Hingham’s Facebook page for updates about the blood drive, and to share posts to help make the blood drive as successful as possible.
Those giving blood can use RapidPass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history online before arriving at the blood drive site. This can save several minutes at the appointment.
Learn More
To learn more about the serious need for blood supply donations, see the American Red Cross donation information page.
Some commonly asked questions about blood donations include:
Is it safe to give blood?
Donating blood is a safe process. A new sterile needle is used when collecting a donor’s blood and then the needle is discarded. A majority of donors feel fine after donating blood. Some donors may experience lightheadedness, upset stomach or a small bruise or pain where the needle was inserted. Very few donors may experience a loss of consciousness or nerve damage but this is an extremely rare occurrence.
How long does the blood donation process take?
A typical whole blood donation takes approximately 30–45 minutes, with the actual blood draw lasting on average between 8–10 minutes.
Who gets blood after it is donated?
All blood and blood products collected by Boston Children’s Hospital are used to help patients at the hospital. Children’s Hospital also provides blood products to the Jimmy Fund Clinic.
Can I donate if I have received a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, there is no deferral for the COVID-19 vaccine. As long as you are feeling well and have no side effects, you are eligible.
Am I eligible to donate if I have been quarantined for COVID-19?
If you are quarantined for any reason, you are not eligible to donate during the quarantine time period. If you are past the quarantine time and have been symptom-free for 10 days, you will be eligible to donate blood.
What if I tested positive in the last 10 days?
You must be fully recovered from COVID-19 and symptom-free for a least 10 days before donating blood. If you have had a positive diagnostic test in the past 10 days for COVID-19 but didn’t have symptoms, you will need to wait 10 days after the COVID-19 test. If you have a pending COVID-19 diagnostic test for COVID-19, you are not able to donate during this time. Once you have tested negative or been symptom-free for 10 days you will be eligible to donate blood.
For a full list of commonly asked questions about blood donations, visit the American Red Cross FAQ page.
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