February represents Heart Month. Consider donating in honor of someone you love or in honor of the heart patients of Boston Children's Hospital who rely on blood donations for surgeries and treatments.
Thank You for a Successful National Blood Donor Month
In January we celebrated National Blood Donor month by asking what makes blood donation so important to you. Thank you for sharing your “Why.” Read some reasons our donors give.
Last month, we also saw the start of severe winter weather and cold/flu season. While many other centers have declared supply shortages, thanks to our loyal blood donors, we have been able to maintain a safe supply!
Celebrate with us in the Blood Donor Center
A Note about Ramadan, Fasting, and Blood Donation
Ramadan Kareem! Wishing you peace and joy this month. Those who are fasting should not donate blood. We encourage you to share our need for blood via social media or in conversation with friends who are not fasting. Many say the reason they’ve never donated is simply because they were never asked. We hope to see you again after Eid al-Fitr!
Monthly Promotions
Blood Donors Give from the Heart
During February, our donors will receive a mini recycled cotton, canvas tote bag as a thank you gift.
Winter Olympic Platelet Challenge
The Winter Olympic Games begin this month. You have the chance to "Go for the Gold" by donating Platelets three times between February 1 and March 31. Complete all three donations and take home a throw blanket just for our Gold Medal Donors! At your next platelet donation, we will give you a Medal Tracker Card to record your Bronze, Silver, and Gold Donations. You may donate platelets one time per week, up to 24 times per year, so there is plenty of time to complete this challenge over the next two months. (Limit one Blanket per donor.)
Rocio's 30th Anniversary
Congratulations to Rocio, our most senior staff member and often the first welcome you’ll receive when you enter the Blood Donor Center at 333 Longwood Avenue.
In January, Rocio completed a milestone of 30 years at Boston Children’s Hospital! She is warm, welcoming and hard working. She keeps our operations going, and records in order. Her fantastic smile and infectious laughter are just two more reasons donors and staff from across the hospital ask for her by name. We thank Rocio for all her hard work and dedication to donors and colleagues over the past three decades!
Post Donation Survey
For some time now, our blood donation experience surveys have been out of order. We want to hear from you! Keep an eye out for a thank you email after your next donation. We will include a link to a google form to rate your experience. Feedback is always welcome at blooddonorcenter@bostonchildrens.org.
Platelet Pledge
Did you know, platelets help form clots, stop bleeding, and promote healing? For kids with low platelet counts or platelet disorders such as cancer, chronic illnesses, or traumatic injuries, platelet donations can be lifesaving. Platelets have a shelf life of just seven days, so we rely on regular donations to maintain a steady supply for our patients.
The Platelet Pledge is a commitment to donate platelets at least 12 times this year. By taking the pledge, you help ensure we have the platelets we need to support our patients all year long.
