New donor center expands access to blood donation in Massachusetts and strengthens the regional blood supply across New England
Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) celebrated the grand opening of its first Massachusetts donor center in Swansea, marking an important milestone in the effort to strengthen the blood supply across New England. Located at 573-4 G.A.R. Highway in Swansea, the new center gives Massachusetts residents another convenient place to donate blood and help support patients in hospitals throughout the region.
The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Massachusetts State Representatives Steve Howitt and Justin Thurber, along with community leaders, blood donation advocates and RIBC representatives.
The Swansea center opens two years after Massachusetts expanded its blood collection laws to allow FDA-registered blood establishments to operate collection sites in the state. RIBC already supplies nearly 20,000 blood products annually to more than 40 Massachusetts hospitals, and the new location gives the organization an opportunity to build a local community of donors in a state it has long helped serve.
The expansion also comes at an important time for the region’s blood supply. RIBC recently declared a blood emergency after local blood inventory reached its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing the donor community in Massachusetts will help RIBC strengthen the regional blood supply and ensure hospitals have access to the blood products their patients need.
“Today, we’re opening more than a donor center – we’re opening the door for Massachusetts residents to help save lives in their own communities,” said Hunter Shaffer, Vice President, Operations at Rhode Island Blood Center. “We’re proud to bring our mission to Swansea and grateful to the local elected officials and community partners who helped make this milestone possible.”
Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, who was instrumental in advancing the legislative change that made the new center possible, also shared her support.
“During a time when blood supplies are declining across the Northeast, the opening of this center represents a meaningful step forward for public health in Massachusetts,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman. “It ensures that patients statewide will have a more reliable, local source of lifesaving blood and blood products. I’m proud to have supported the legislation that enabled New York Blood Center Enterprises and Rhode Island Blood Center to establish this facility, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”
Local leaders attending the ribbon-cutting highlighted both the importance of a reliable blood supply and the opportunity the new center gives residents to make a difference close to home.
“Hospitals, first responders, and healthcare professionals all depend on something many people never think of until their loved one needs it – a reliable blood supply,” said Massachusetts State Representative Steve Howitt. “We are proud to welcome Rhode Island Blood Center to Massachusetts and grateful for the investment they are making in Swansea and throughout the state.”
“I would encourage people to be a donor. A lot of people want to help in the community, but they don’t know how to. This is another way people can give back,” said Massachusetts State Representative Justin Thurber. “Congratulations to Rhode Island Blood Center. Thank you for building this facility here.”
Scott Holcomb, Superintendent of Swansea Public Schools, also spoke about the importance of introducing young people to blood donation and community service.
“When we get students involved at a young age and giving back to people, that’s something they typically carry with them for a lifetime,” Holcomb said. “If it wasn’t for people giving of themselves selflessly, I wouldn’t have somebody that I love near and dear to me today.”
The Swansea donor center grand opening was covered by several local media outlets, helping spread the word about the new location and the ongoing need for blood donors across the region.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. Recent updates to FDA guidance also mean more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Make an Appointment to Donate at the new Swansea donor center, or visit ribc.org to view eligibility guidelines and donation locations near you.