The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke’s Hospital is in urgent need of Type O blood and asks the community to donate blood to help build up the supply. Type O blood is used in emergency situations when the blood type of the patient is unknown. In the summer, people are more active, which leads to an increased number of bicycle, motorcycle, boating and pedestrian accidents. At the same time, blood donations are much lower during the summer months because so many people are on vacation or are busy with other summertime activities. As a direct result, Type O blood is at critically low levels and is in need of replenishment. As always, all blood types are welcome and are greatly appreciated at Southcoast.
Southcoast Blood Bank has updated their donating requirements to make donating more convenient. Under the updated requirements, only one photo ID is required and the deferral period for donors with new tattoos has been eliminated for those individuals who received their tattoo from a state regulated entity with sterile one-time use needles and non-reused ink. For those who are unsure if they meet this requirement, the 12-month deferral period will still apply. The updated regulations continue to meet all FDA and AABB donor guidelines.
You have a choice! Donate local. The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities’ blood supply. When you donate blood at a Southcoast-sponsored blood drive, you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong – so it is there when you need it.
You can donate at Community Blood Drives; Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. To schedule a free blood drive, please call Catherine Alegria, Southcoast Blood Donor Coordinator, at 508-993-0430 or by email at alegriac@southcoast.org. Individuals can also donate at the Southcoast Blood Bank located at St. Luke’s Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesdays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. The Southcoast Blood Bank will be closed on August 10. We apologize for the inconvenience. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 508-961-5320 or visit www.southcoast.org/bloodbank.