Blood Donor Day set; Blood in demand during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, October 5, from 12-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Blood transfusions often support cancer patients through surgery, treatment and recovery. Here are some supporting facts:
• Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the US.
• Each year about 32-percent of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.
• Platelet transfusions are frequently needed when chemotherapy causes dangerously low platelet counts as platelets are the bodies clotting agent. Without them, a patient runs the risk of dangerous bleeding.
• Blood products help patients maintain strength to complete their full course of treatment and recovery.
• Blood must come from volunteer unpaid donors to be transfused to patients.
• 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.
During the month of October, blood donations may be going right to a mom battling cancer. To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive, Monday, October 5, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, feel free to call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
