Celebrating Medical Lab Professionals Week; Show support by donating blood
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week observed at VMH ... The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Laboratory Department celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 19-25, emphasizing the continued need for blood donations. Pictured above in the front row, left to right, are Robin Gray, MLS; and Karli Rains, LA. Back row, left to right, includes Erica Mannette, MLS; Caty Bruening, Laboratory Manager; Dr. Chris Cogbill, Laboratory Director; Michelle Benda, MLT and McKenna Hubka, MLT. These local hospital laboratory professionals remind the community how important blood donations are in keeping the community safe and healthy and encourage donations at the next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive in Waukon May 4. Submitted photo.
Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Laboratory Staff observed Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 19–25. This week celebrates the essential work of laboratory professionals - and the continued need for community blood donations.
VMH’s blood supply is provided by LifeServe Blood Center, which reports that donor turnout has been lower than expected for this time of year. As a result, blood inventories across the region are below target levels.
At Veterans Memorial Hospital, the laboratory team is still able to meet patient needs, but supplies are tighter than usual. Certain blood types are in shorter supply due to continual demand and fewer donations. While no immediate disruptions to patient care are expected, staff say they are carefully managing inventory.
Lab Week serves as a reminder of the critical work happening behind the scenes every day. Medical laboratory professionals ensure that blood is properly tested, matched, and ready for patients who depend on transfusions. Their role is essential to delivering safe, effective care.
“This week recognizes the people who make a big difference in patient outcomes behind the scenes,” said Caty Bruening, Lab Manager. “It’s also a great time to remind our community how important blood donations are to keeping our community safe and healthy.”
Healthcare providers emphasize that maintaining a stable blood supply depends on strong community involvement. The Veterans Memorial Hospital Laboratory Staff would like to encourage residents to donate blood. The next LifeServe blood drive will be held Monday, May 4 from 12-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.
“Donating through LifeServe Blood Center helps keep VMH’s blood supply strong - and your donation may go directly to someone in your own community,” adds Caty. “Please consider supporting our awesome Laboratory team and local patients in need - by donating blood and helping ensure lifesaving care is always right here at home.”
Those donating blood should not fast, but rather eat a normal, healthy meal that day. Anyone giving blood must be 17 years of age or older, be in general good health and weigh at least 120 pounds. Be sure to schedule an appointment by contacting LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
