Health and Fitness : WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY

Extreme winter weather has caused widespread disruptions across the Midwest, resulting in canceled blood drives and closures of LifeServe Blood Center Donor Centers across Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois. Unfortunately, this has led to the loss of more than 900 blood donations, significantly impacting the supply of lifesaving blood products for patients in need.

The need for blood in our hospitals is constant - regardless of weather. LifeServe alone needs 2,600 red blood cells collected per week to meet the needs of patients who rely on blood transfusions for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care and more. Without a steady flow of donations, we risk being in a dangerous situation where hospitals could face shortages and be unable to take care of their patients.

You can help right now! We're calling on our communities to step up and act. If your blood donation was canceled due to weather, please reschedule as soon as possible. If you've never donated before, now is the perfect time to get involved and make a difference in someone's life. Your donation can save up to three lives. To schedule your lifesaving appointment, visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.

LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our region since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois. 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. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street.

YOU make a difference in YOUR community.

Virgina Gay Hospital invites the community to join their partnership with LifeServe at their upcoming blood drive on Friday, March 28 from 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Clinic Conference Room (502 N. 9th Ave., Vinton). To schedule your lifesaving donation, visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call LifeServe at 800.287.4903.