Rock Rapids, Iowa — Next on the northwest Iowa blood drive schedule is a drive in Rock Rapids this Wednesday. And blood is needed to help avoid the summer blood shortage within the local area, according to blood bank officials.
Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken Versteeg says the bloodmobile will be at Sunshine Foods in Rock Rapids Wednesday morning, July 25th from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from noon to 3:00 p.m.
He says blood is needed each day in the United States to sustain the lives of patients in need. Whether used for surgery, traumas, during cancer treatment, or other life-threatening medical conditions, blood is used to provide hope.
Ver Steeg says there are many blood suppliers throughout the country, some are very large blood providers, some a little smaller and others are hospital-operated. Community Blood Bank is hospital-operated as a joint, shared resource. While Rock Rapids will soon have facilities operated by both Sanford and Avera Health systems, the Community Blood Bank serves them both.
Ver Steeg says that the summer months are considered some of the most difficult when keeping up with the demand for blood products within our community. He says that there are many weeks where usage is outpacing collection by 40%. He says they hope to sustain an ample blood supply and keep this momentum moving to avoid any summer blood shortages.
He tells us some things to remember when you donate blood.
For more information, or to find a parent consent form that allows 16-year-olds to donate, go to cbblifeblood.org. You can also call Carol Krull for more information at 712-899-7305. Community Blood Bank reminds us that they are not associated with any other blood bank organizations.
