Blood in Special Demand During the Summer

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held on Monday, July 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon.  Blood drives are held on the first Monday of each month in Waukon to allow for more donors to give. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with their blood and blood products.

Blood centers across the United States see a decrease in blood donations during the busy summer months. During the summer, people become more active, have busier schedules, spend more time outdoors, and take vacations. While donations decline, hospitals see an increase in the need for blood. More driving can mean more automobile accidents. A person who has suffered severe injuries from an automobile accident can need up to 50 units of blood.

To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive on Monday, July 1, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.  Appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, contact the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.

All those wishing to give blood are asked to give themselves at least 56 days at a minimum between blood donations. Those donating blood should not fast, but rather eat a normal, healthy meal that day. Anyone giving blood must be 17 years of age or older, be in general good health, and weigh at least 120 pounds.