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After delivering thousands of babies in western Massachusetts over more than 40 years, gynecologist/obstetrician Jay Sprong has retired.
Sprong, 72, saw his last patients last month and sent out a letter informing others that he would be leaving Cooley Dickinson Medical Group Women’s Health in Northampton at the end of December.
In an interview last week, Sprong said he will miss his patients. “I enjoy the one-to-one personal relationships,” he said.
Sprong has practiced medicine in the Pioneer Valley since 1971 after studying at Albany Medical College and completing residency at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh.
He said his passion for medicine took root in the small town in upstate New York where he grew up living across the street from a hospital. “The pathologist knew I was interested and would call me out to watch autopsies in high school.”
He and his wife, Connie, settled in the Pioneer Valley because they thought it would be a good place to raise their children, Sprong said. They have two daughters and one son.
Though he says he never keep track of the number of babies he delivered, Sprong estimates it is between 4,000 and 6,000.
During retirement, he said, he looks forward to spending more time with his seven grandchildren and, in the summertime, boating on the Hudson River and, in winter, skiing in Vermont.
— Lisa Spear
For the 11th year, the American Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are working together this month to increase blood donations.
Through the Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference campaign, all those who give blood or platelets in January at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of New York will receive a $5 DD Card.
“Donating blood or platelets helps to save lives, and with Dunkin’ Donuts’ support, we can help ensure hospital patients receive the transfusions they need,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services.
During the past 10 years, The Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts partnership has supported the collection of approximately 790,000 blood and platelet donations during January, which is often a challenging month for donations due to winter weather forcing the cancellation of blood drives and seasonal illnesses keeping some donors at home.
To donate, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Following are blood donations opportunities in this area.
Tuesday, 1 to 6 p.m., Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., UMass Student Union, 41 Campus Center Way, Amherst
Jan. 22, 12 to 5 p.m., Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton
Jan. 25, 12 to 5 p.m., Thornes Market, 150 Main St., Northampton
Jan. 29, 12 to 5 p.m., World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton
Jan. 29, 12 to 5 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 319 Granby Road, South Hadley