Donate blood. Save a life.
Thank you to all community members who have donated and are scheduled to donate, it is much appreciated! Appointments are recommended, while walk-ins are also accepted when space is available. Call 978-287-3778 to schedule an appointment.
LOCATION — The Emerson Health Blood Donor Center is located at Emerson Hospital on the first floor of the John Cuming Building. Once you turn into the hospital driveway from Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, stay to the left. Free parking is provided for all blood donors. Enter the parking lot located on your left. Take your parking ticket with you and when checking in at the Blood Donor Center, ask the receptionist to validate it for you. If you have a handicapped plate or placard, please utilize our valet parking, which is complimentary to you.
Enter through the glass vestibule of the John Cuming Building, take a right, pass the Café Cart, take a left and proceed to the Emerson Laboratory. From there, you will see signs to the Blood Donor Center. Please check in with our staff before taking a seat. We have a separate waiting area just for you.
Preparing to Donate Blood
Before you donate blood, we recommend doing the following:
- Stay hydrated. Increase your fluids with an extra 16 ounces or 2 cups of water the day before donating. Then hydrate right before arriving with another 16 oz. of water.
- Eat a healthy meal.
- Get a good night's sleep.
- Bring a valid photo ID and a list of current medications.
- Eat a salty snack shortly before donating.
Have a question about donating blood? Email us at donorcenter@emersonhosp.org or call 978-287-3778.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Since June 2003, the Emerson Health Blood Donor Center has been granted a waiver by the FDA that allows us to draw blood from patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) without a fee. Physicians must complete the below form to attest that the patient has HH as documented by positive clinical findings, a lab test, and/or genotype that confirms the diagnosis. This order is good for one year. Our medical director will review the form and then the patient can come to the Emerson Health Blood Donor Center for therapeutic phlebotomy.
• Hereditary Hemochromatosis Physician Request Form [PDF]
