January is Blood Donor Month-Call Now to Make An Appointment!

January is Blood Donor Month.  Blood donations are needed everywhere, even right here in Iowa.  The following are interesting blood facts on blood from LifeServe Blood Center who supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with their blood products:

• Every 3 seconds someone needs blood.
• Blood makes up about 8 percent of a person’s body weight.
• Blood is needed every minute of every day; summer, winter, spring and fall.
• Scheduled surgeries are often cancelled around the county due to a lack of blood.
• Donating blood includes a health check for the donor (checking blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin) prior to donating.
• There is absolutely no way you can contract any disease from giving blood.
• Blood can be split into different components (red cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate) and used to help different types of patients.

Here are some common blood donation myths: 

MYTH:  I can’t donate blood because I have high blood pressure.

FACT:  Medications for high blood pressure alone do not disqualify someone from giving blood.

MYTH:  I don’t need to donate, there is already enough supply.

FACT:  Blood cannot be manufactured and has a short shelf life. It must continuously be replenished by volunteer donors.

MYTH:  I can’t donate because donating blood is painful.

FACT:  You’ll only feel a quick pinch when the needle goes in, then most donors say they feel a little to no discomfort during the donation itself.  The feeling of walking away knowing the donation will save lives makes it worth it!

Becoming a blood donor is easy.  Make an appointment today for the next local blood drive.  Blood drives are held each month in Allamakee County.  The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held on Monday, February 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.    

First time donors will find that donating blood is a safe and easy way to save lives and make a difference in the community.  One single blood donation can save the lives of up to three sick or injured hospital patients.

 The donation process is simple:

1. Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.
2. Bring proper identification, such as your donor card or a driver’s license.
3. Complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
4. Receive a brief health check by trained staff.  This includes a check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood iron levels.
5. Sit back while a unit of blood, approximately one pint, is collected. This process takes around 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy refreshments while relaxing for 10-15 minutes before leaving the facility.

            The blood that is collected is tested carefully.  In fact, all blood that is collected by any blood collection center is all tested the same, according to the federal regulations.

To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive, on Monday, February 2, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.    

To schedule your appointment, please call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.