Health and Fitness : Help boost local blood supply; donate during LifeServe/VGH event today

The winter months can often impact the local blood supply, but this winter has been especially harsh. The brutal temperatures along with winter storms have created many challenges for blood donors to get out and give a donation. Now, blood donors are needed to help boost the blood supply so that hospital patients in need of life-saving blood products receive them the moment they need them.

It is important for donors to donate year-round, but blood donors are especially needed during the winter months so that blood products are already on the shelf the moment they are needed. Blood donation matters for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, for trauma and accident patients, newborn babies, patients with inherited bleeding disorders, and patients undergoing various surgeries.

Please plan to give your life-saving gift at the upcoming blood drive.

• Virginia Gay Hospital and Vinton Community Blood Drive, Friday, March 14, 2014 from 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM at Virginia Gay Hospital, 502 N 9th Ave.

Sign up to save a life today! Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.

The Blood Center of Iowa joined operations with Siouxland Community Blood Bank in April, 2010 to become LifeServe Blood Center. As one of the 15th largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe Blood Center provides blood and blood products to more than 100 hospitals located across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Eligible blood donors must be at least 16 years old, should weigh at least 120 pounds and should be in general good health. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800.287.4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org.