Blood in special demand during the summer and during COVID-19

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, August 3, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon. Blood drives are held once a month in Waukon to allow for more donors to give.    The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with its blood and blood products.

The local blood drives continue to be held during COVID-19 since the need for blood is in more demand than ever. 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.

Blood centers across the United States see a decrease in blood donations during the busy summer months.  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.

To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive Monday, August 3 at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Appointments are required. 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.