Health and Fitness : HELP BOOST THE BLOOD SUPPLY BEFORE THE SUMMER

As the temperature rises, it is a reminder that summer is on its way. It is also a reminder that local hospital patients still rely on generous, volunteer blood donors to make life-saving donations even in the midst of enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Blood donations often decrease during the summer months; however, the need for blood remains the same. Unfortunately, automobile accidents also increase as the temperature rises making it critical that life-saving blood products are readily available for trauma and accident patients and so many others who rely on blood donors to help save their lives.

Help boost the blood supply by giving blood at an upcoming blood drive.

• Virginia Gay Hospital and Vinton Community Blood Drive, Friday, May 16, 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 15thlargest 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.