Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Are in ‘Urgent Need’ of Platelet Donations

Photo by Dana Guth

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) need your help.

The two hospitals are in “urgent need” of platelet donors, according to an announcement released Thursday. The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, which serves both institutions, has an “extreme shortage” of available platelets, part of a current nationwide scarcity. The Columbus Day holiday and the impending hurricane could both exacerbate the problem, according to the announcement.

Platelets bind together to repair damaged blood vessels, causing blood clots and quelling bleeding. The body renews platelets constantly when functioning properly, but cancer patients, those who have sustained trauma, babies in need of intensive care, and other critically ill patients often require platelet transfusions.

DFCI and BWH are looking for platelet donations over the next four days, and are in particular need of male donors. To donate, you must be at least 17 years old, at least 110 pounds, and in generally good health. A full list of qualifications can be found here.

To donate, contact the Kraft Center at 617-632-3206 or BloodDonor@partners.org. It’s open seven days a week, but will close for Columbus Day.

Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, 35 Binney St., Boston, dana-farber.org.

UPDATED, 4:15 p.m.: While the hospitals are seeking male donors, a DFCI spokesman notes that, under current FDA recommendations, men who have had sex with men will be deferred for 12 months from the last contact.