I am disappointed that the American Red Cross is discontinuing blood drives in our region and possibly beyond. These have been community-building events, often done in honor of lost friends or family members. The public awareness for the need for blood increases with every blood drive. The convenience for the blood donor to be able to do it in the lobby of Hotel Northampton, Hampshire Mall, outside a pharmacy or some high school has created the opportunity for this blood donor to give a few gallons over the years.
Our options now are Red Cross locations in Springfield and Worcester.
I would recommend that all potential blood donors reach out to local hospitals to see if they have the facilities to go to donate blood.
Julie Cavacco
Deerfield