Southcoast Blood Bank’s annual promotion, “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” featuring Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, returns to the region during National Blood Donor Month this January.

In January 2014, anyone who donates blood at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke’s Hospital or at any Southcoast community blood drive will receive a certificate for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Coupons are redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants while supplies last.

“Southcoast is dependent on volunteer donors to meet the needs of patients requiring life-saving treatments in emergencies, patients with cancer and other serious illnesses, and patients in need of surgery,” said John Laverty, MD, Medical Director of the Southcoast Blood Bank. “The Southcoast Blood Bank is proud to have so many donors who have committed to donating blood on a regular basis to help save the lives of their friends, neighbors and members of their community.”

Southcoast uses more than 16,000 pints of blood a year. Currently through the local donor program, the Southcoast Blood bank collects 6,500 pints a year, which is less than half of the blood needed to supply the three Southcoast hospitals. The remainder of the blood is purchased from external sources and therefore dependent on the national blood supply.

In addition to emergency cases, blood is needed for people undergoing surgery and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia.

The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities’ blood supply. When you donate blood at a Southcoast-sponsored blood drive you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong — so it is there when you need it.

Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Blood Donor Van and at local businesses. To schedule a free blood drive, please call Catherine Alegria, Southcoast Blood Donor Coordinator, at 508-993-0430 or by email at alegriac@southcoast.org.

The following is a full list of community blood drives taking place during the month of January:

WAREHAM
Friday, January 3
Tobey Hospital
43 High St.
Blood Drive
8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WAREHAM
Sunday, January 26
St. Patrick's Church
82 High St.
Blood Drive
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.