Blood in high need during COVID-19

The need for blood has not stopped during COVID-19 and is always in even higher demand over the summer months, so the local blood drives continue to be held. Life Serve team members only report to work if they are healthy and only healthy donors are eligible to give blood.

Blood drives are essential medical services and not considered mass gatherings. The number of donors is limited to ensure donor separation and staff has strict cleaning and disinfection schedules. Other measures are also in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply so these lifesaving donations can continue during COVID-19. The next local blood drive will be held Thursday, July 9 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives.  Blood donors have a unique opportunity to contribute to their community by making a life-saving blood donation. Everyone who registers to donate blood goes through four simple steps during the donation process:  registration, donor history and mini-physical, blood donation and snacks.

New blood donors who are not familiar with the blood donation process are encouraged to ask questions before, during and after their blood donation. Below are a few tips for ensuring a successful donation:

· Get a good night’s sleep before a blood donation.
· Eat a good meal before donating blood. Do not donate on an empty stomach.
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Bring a photo ID or Blood Donor ID Card to the appointment.
· Those who are 16 or 17 years old and have never donated blood with LifeServe Blood Center should be sure to get a signed Parental/Guardian Permission Form.

LifeServe Blood Center is one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, and provides blood and blood products to more than 90 hospitals located across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. This includes Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood at the next blood drive to be held in Waukon, Thursday, July 9, from Noon to 5 p.m., call 800-287-4903.