MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital will host a blood drive May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in their community education room.

Refreshments will be available.

“We encourage any community member who has thought to donate, but not done so, to come to their community hospital and donate blood,” said Tina Corcoran, MMH senior director of public relations and planning. “Each blood drive we average 55 donors, I would like to see us reach 75 donors.”

Massena Memorial Hospital and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital have joined to ensure the blood stays in the area and is given to a patient within the North Country.

Administrative Laboratory Director Kevin Ward says one donation could provide several products for potential lifesaving measures to include packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, and individual platelets. To donate blood it only takes about 30 minutes with registration and the donation.

“On average, when a patient needs a blood transfusion, they will receive two to three units,” said Ward. “We have partnered with CVPH, because the blood donated here at MMH, stays in the North Country. It is very safe and a piece of mind.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds, be in good health and feeling good the day of the donation and not have had a tattoo or body piercing within the last year.