Blood drive to be held November 6

The next local LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Thursday, November 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Rossville Road in Waukon. Blood drives are held the first Thursday of every month in Waukon to allow for more donors to give. LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with its blood and blood products.

Regular blood donors may donate blood as often as every 56 days. A single blood donation can save the lives of up to three sick or injured hospital patients. Ninety percent of first-time donors give at blood drives in their community.
 
The donation process is simple:
1. Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids within four hours prior to donating.
2. Bring proper identification, such as a 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 tested in accordance with federal regulations.

Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins can only be accepted as the schedule permits. To schedule an appointment, call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.