Blood in special demand during the summer

This July, celebrate freedom by giving someone more time - every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood or platelets. The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, July 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation. Donations often become harder to maintain when regular routines shift during busy travel months.  This July, keep hospital shelves celebration-ready.

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.

Blood drives are held the first Monday of each month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with their blood and blood products. To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive Monday, July 6, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are also welcome. 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. And anyone giving blood must be 17 years of age or older, be in general good health and weigh at least 120 pounds.