The September 22nd blood drive will mark the first one hosted through the new partnership, helping strengthen the local blood supply for pediatric patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions. Connecticut Children’s is the only healthcare system in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to pediatric care, treating infants, children and adolescents from across the state and beyond.
This blood drive also falls under CTBC’s Dollar a Donor campaign, which was launched in 2024 with Connecticut Children’s as the recipient of funds raised. Through the campaign, CTBC provides financial support to Connecticut Children’s for every donor who participates during designated campaign periods.
“For many of the children we care for, blood products are an essential part of their treatment and recovery. That is especially true for children undergoing cancer treatment and those living with blood disorders who may depend on transfusions throughout their care,” said Michael Isakoff, MD, Medical Director of Hematology and Oncology at Connecticut Children’s. “Every person who takes the time to donate is doing something very real for a child and family who needs them. We’re grateful to Connecticut Blood Center and to every donor who helps ensure these lifesaving resources are available when our patients need them most.”
“Partnering with Connecticut Children’s to host these quarterly blood drives is an important step in supporting the young patients who rely on lifesaving blood products,” said Hunter Shaffer, Vice President of Operations at Connecticut Blood Center. “We have been proud to supply Connecticut Children’s since 2018, and now, through this partnership, we can bring the community directly into that effort. We encourage eligible donors to join us on September 22 and help make a lifesaving difference for children and families across Connecticut.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ctblood.org or call 800.283.8385
WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, from 9:00am to 4:00pm
WHERE: Connecticut Children’s, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers and Connecticut Blood Center Representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment for this blood drive, donors can visit this link.
About Connecticut Blood Center
Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) serves as the primary supplier of lifesaving blood products to more than a dozen Connecticut hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. CTBC is operated by Rhode Island Blood Center and is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which operates in 16 states and delivers more than one million blood products to nearly 550 U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment, and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. CTBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ctblood.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 30+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care beyond imagination.
