Blood Donor Day set for Tuesday, September 1 due to Labor Day Holiday
The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Tuesday, September 1, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. This date is moved up from the usual first Monday of the month due to the Labor Day Holiday.
This month’s blood drive is focusing on helping childhood cancer warriors keep up their fight. The Blood Center of Iowa is honoring brave children and families facing cancer and sickle cell disease. Many of them rely on blood transfusions during treatment. Blood donations bring them hope, healing and strength to even the youngest cancer fighters.
Every day, more than 100,000 Americans deal with the complications of sickle cell disease. There is no cure, but there are treatments that help these patients’ suffering, including blood transfusions. Some sickle cell patients may need as many as 100 units of blood each year to alleviate their symptoms or even save their life.
Unfortunately, fewer than 4% of eligible blood donors actually take the time to donate blood.
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. 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.
The number one reason a new donor gives blood is because a blood donor asked them to, so encourage friends and family to make an appointment to give blood. Donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive, Tuesday, September 1, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Walk-in’s are welcome. Blood drives are normally held the first Monday of the month in Waukon, but this one is rescheduled in September due to the Labor Day holiday.
To schedule an appointment, please call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
