Blood donation drive in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News is 'Working for You by sponsoring a blood drive in Springfield.

Everybody who donates will get a coupon for a pound of free Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Chances are that at some point in your life, you'll need blood. Donating now can be a way to pay it forward.

Donating right now is important for a few reasons.

January is National Blood Donor month. One of the reasons is because blood donation typically drops off during the colder winter months.

All blood types are needed, but right now, the demand for O-negative and B-negative blood is outpacing the supply.

Blood donation is easy. It doesn't take very long and is virtually painless.

When your done, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped save up to three people's lives.

According to the Red Cross, somebody in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

If you'd like to donate, all you have to do is come down to the Blood Donor Center at 3500 Main Street in Springfield anytime between 11-AM and 6-PM Thursday.

For a pint of blood you'll get a coupon for a pound of free Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Blood donors should be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

To make an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to redcrossblood.org