Post Content
By Health and Human Services Director of Human Resources James Montgomery-Hyde
I am very proud that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is joining with other state agencies and the American Red Cross again for its annual statewide blood drive to help replenish the current dangerously low blood supply. This week, EOHHS kicked off a series of blood drives for its nearly 22,000 employees at 10 different locations. The sweltering heat of this summer has negatively affected the amount of donated blood hospitals have in reserve; by donating one pint of blood each of us can make a difference, potentially saving up to three lives.
Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day and because the summer is a particularly challenging time for blood collection, the Red Cross is often forced to cut blood shipments to local hospitals. EOHHS is partnering with the Red Cross this month because it’s a crucial time of year in which to raise awareness about the need for blood all year long.
Last year’s August blood drives were an enormous success: collectively, all of the locations brought in 450 donors, delivering 110% of our goal. Many of us don’t particularly like needles, and while I understand we’re all busy, I encourage all EOHHS staff to find the time to donate blood. And keep in mind that the blood donation process itself takes less than 15 minutes!
Collectively, state health and human service agencies lead the Commonwealth in public health awareness and education. Similarly, through the annual blood drive we hope to inform all residents about the critical need for blood during summer months and also provide an example that other local employers can follow. While I’m very proud that last year, Commonwealth employees donated more than 450 units of blood that potentially helped save up to 1,350 lives, I look forward to exceeding last year’s total.
The Red Cross Massachusetts Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 73 hospitals and must have 650 people give blood each weekday to meet hospital demand.
Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood.
As the largest Secretariat in Massachusetts, with 22,000 employees, EOHHS’ collaboration with the Red Cross to host next week’s blood drive is the perfect opportunity to set an example that encourages blood donation at other companies and organizations. I invite you to be part of this important team effort.
To register to donate at one of the 10 EOHHS blood drives, please email EOHHSgivesblood@state.ma.us or call 617-348-5408. Below please see the blood donation site locations and times.
City |
Site Name |
Address |
Room |
Day |
Time |
Boston |
Dept. of Public Health |
250 Washington St. |
Public Health Council Room |
Mon 8/8 |
8:00am-5:00pm |
Hyannis |
Barnstable HHS Center |
181 North St. |
Conference Room |
Mon 8/8 |
10:00am-3:00pm |
Shrewsbury |
Glavin Regional Center |
214 Lake Street |
Multi-Purpose Room |
Tues 8/9 |
9:0am-3:00 pm |
Taunton |
Taunton State Hospital |
60 Hodges Avenue |
Recreation Building |
Tues 8/9 |
10:00am-4:00pm |
Boston |
McCormack Office Building |
1 Ashburton Place |
Ashburton Café |
Wed 8/10 |
9:00am-3:00pm |
Westfield |
Western Mass Hospital |
91 East Mountain Road |
Auditorium |
Wed 8/10 |
10:00am-4:00pm |
Wrentham |
Wrentham Developmental Center |
131 Emerald Street |
Graves Auditorium |
Thur 8/11 |
10:00am-4:00pm |
Tewksbury |
Tewksbury Hospital |
365 East Street |
Events Room |
Fri 8/12 |
9:30am-3:30pm |
Boston |
McCormack Office Building |
1 Ashburton Place |
21st Floor |
Fri 8/12 |
9:00am-3:00pm |
Boston |
Massachusetts State House |
Beacon St. |
Great Hall |
Mon 8/15 |
10:00am- 3:00pm |
###
Recent Posts
The Commission on Bullying Meets to Discuss Ways to Prevent Bullying in Public and Subsidized Housing posted on Jul 13

The concept of bullying has increasingly become a widespread issue affecting many individuals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, especially elders and those with disabilities. In order to resolve bullying in public and/or subsidized housing, all members who are affiliated with the housing community must be …Continue Reading The Commission on Bullying Meets to Discuss Ways to Prevent Bullying in Public and Subsidized Housing
In innovative partnership, City and State team up to house chronically homeless older adults and pair them with services & supports posted on Jun 23
The City of Boston’s Boston’s Way Home, in partnership with MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and MassHealth, hosted a “housing surge” on June 15, designed to connect chronically homeless older adults with housing while qualifying them for services and support. This unique partnership …Continue Reading In innovative partnership, City and State team up to house chronically homeless older adults and pair them with services & supports
Massachusetts Commission LBGTQ Youth Swearing In posted on Jun 20

Secretary Marylou Sudders, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, members from the Legislature, and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Youth (LGBQT) Commission came together in the beautiful State House Library to recognize and celebrate the LGBQT Massachusetts Commission. Established 25 years ago, …Continue Reading Massachusetts Commission LBGTQ Youth Swearing In
2011