Blood donation opportunity offered every month in Waukon; Simple blood donation steps save lives

You can make a difference by making a life-saving blood donation at the next Waukon Community Blood Drive. The next blood drive will take place Thursday, March 3 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

The Waukon blood drives have been very successful the last couple of years with new first-time donors each time. The February blood drive saw 53 donors giving blood, saving 144 lives.

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 several tips for ensuring a successful donation:

• Get a good night’s sleep before 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 15th 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 Waukon blood drive Thursday, March 3, from Noon to 5 p.m., call 800-287-4903.