Concord Resident Benefits from Early Warning Detection Through Emerson Hospital Blood Donor Center

For many years, John Alexanderson of Concord has donated blood at the Emerson Hospital Blood Donor Center and at various drives sponsored by the American Red Cross. But when his daughter was rushed to Emerson’s Emergency Department following an accident a little more than 10 years ago, he began participating in the lifesaving activity more regularly.

Alexanderson, 75, now gives blood five times a year while waiting the required 10 weeks between donations. The total time to fill out some brief paperwork, have his blood tested and donate blood is only about half an hour. Aside from a quick pin prick, he said that he feels no pain or discomfort.

In fact, Alexanderson even experienced a side benefit when he was alerted to high blood pressure during the typical check of his vital signs about 10 years ago. He was advised to visit his primary care physician, and has successfully managed the condition with medication ever since.

Another unexpected pleasure is the camaraderie that Alexanderson enjoys with the donor room staff, whom he now considers friends. In fact, he occasionally sees the same nurse who signed his blood donor card dating back to the early 1990s.

“They’re a great group who make it fun, because they have such nice senses of humor,” Alexanderson said. “They’re flexible in accommodating my schedule, and they make me feel very comfortable.”

After donating blood, Alexanderson is given a snack and some juice to raise his blood sugar level before he goes about his day. With complimentary parking for blood donors, he said, the only cost is a little bit of time.

“I’m happy to donate blood because I know it has a positive impact for so many people,” said Alexanderson, recalling how out-of-state niece needed a blood transfusion during a difficult birth. In fact, he submitted a photo of himself donating blood to his family newsletter this past winter in an effort to encourage his relatives to develop their own lifesaving habits.

“I know the blood gets used, “ he said, “so I’d encourage it of everyone.”

There is a critical and constant need for blood in the community through the Emerson Hospital Blood Donor Center, which is located on the first floor of the John Cuming Building, 131 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner in Concord. Hours are Mondays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-7 p.m.; and Fridays, June 13 and Friday, July 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors are advised to call first to verify office hours.

To make an appointment or learn more about donating blood, call (978) 287-3390 or e-mail donorcenter@emersonhosp.org.

Emerson Hospital is a multi-site health system headquartered in Concord, Mass., with additional facilities in Sudbury, Groton and Westford. The 179-bed hospital provides advanced medical services to more than 300,000 individuals in 25 towns. To learn more, visit www.emersonhospital.org.