November is the time to give thanks, give blood, give life
November is a time to show gratitude for the things one is thankful for. There’s nothing LifeServe Blood Center is more thankful for than generous blood donors. Each donation is a selfless act that saves lives. This November, they honor those who give so much and encourage them to continue providing hope and healing through the holiday season.
The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, November 2, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.
The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with blood and blood products. Here are some interesting blood facts:
• Every 3 seconds someone needs blood.
• It only takes 45-60 minutes, walking in the door and walking out, for blood donation which equals three lives saved!
• Platelets only last up to 7 days, not even a full week, and cancer patients can use up to eight products in just one week during treatment.
• There is absolutely no way you can contract any disease from giving blood.
• Holiday seasons are when blood is often needed most, but donations typically decrease.
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.
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.
Every donor starts somewhere. Donate for the first time and choose to be a part of the 3-percent of donors who donate.
To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive, Monday, November 2, at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Appointments are preferred. Blood drives are held the first Monday of the month in Waukon. To schedule an appointment, call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
