Summer Blood Shortages-Donate Now!
Summer is a time of high blood demand in all communities. Donating blood is easy, and one single blood donation can save the lives of up to three sick or injured hospital patients.
The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held on Thursday, September 5 this month, due to the Labor Day Holiday on Monday. The drive will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.
The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with blood and blood products. Here are some interesting blood facts:
- 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 not canceled in Iowa because of a lack of blood, but it is a problem in other parts of the nation.
- Donating blood includes a health check for the donor (checking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin) before 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.
Regular blood donors may donate blood as often as every 56 days. First-time donors will find that donating blood is a safe and easy way to save lives and make a difference in the community.
The donation process is simple:
- Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.
- Bring proper identification, such as your donor card or a driver’s license.
- Complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
- Receive a brief health check by trained staff. This includes a check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and blood iron levels.
- Sit back while a unit of blood, approximately one pint, is collected. This process takes around 10 minutes.
- 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 tested the same, according to federal regulations.
To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive, on Thursday, September 5, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.
Blood drives are normally held on the first Monday of each month in Waukon. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, please call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
