Rock Rapids, Iowa — Blood donors are needed in Rock Rapids Wednesday (July 12th) when the Community Blood Bank makes a visit to the community.
Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken Versteeg says the bloodmobile will be at Sunshine Foods in Rock Rapids Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 10:30, and again Wednesday afternoon from noon to 3:00. All who donate at Wednesday’s Rock Rapids Blood Drive will receive a commemorative “All-American Blood Donor” t-shirt.
Versteeg says that it becomes extremely difficult to maintain an adequate blood supply this time of year. He says summer activities and vacations often make people forget to give blood throughout the summer months. He says summer is traditionally a time when there is a higher occurence of accidents and injuries as people travel the highways and waterways, resulting in an increased need for blood.
For more information or to make an appointment please call 712-899-7305. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with signed parent consent), be in good general health and weigh at least 110 pounds. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. Donating blood on the Community Blood Bank bloodmobile takes just 30-35 minutes. And each pint of blood donated can save three lives.
Community Blood Bank supplies over 550 units of blood each week to people in the region. Among those who benefit from donated blood are trauma and burn victims, cancer patients and persons undergoing surgery. Donating blood is a simple way to save patients lives in the community. Community Blood Bank is the SOLE provider of blood to Sanford Rock Rapids Hospital.