Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The New Rockford community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, on May 23 at First Lutheran Church, which helped collect a total of 41 units of blood products for patients in need.
A total of 39 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 34 individuals were able to donate at the Vitalant blood drive on May 23. Six donors also came forward to donate Power Red Cells (2RBC) which collects two units of red blood cells while returning platelets, plasma and a saline solution back to the donor. There were five people who volunteered for the first time.
Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Kristi Frahm who coordinated the drive as well as; Sharon Lesmeister, Gloria Rubio, Rick Swenson, Kyleigh Hilbert, Carli Lies and Anna Burger, who assisted the day of the drive. Bank Forward provided refreshments.
Vitalant strives to keep a 5-day supply of every blood type on the shelf at all times to be able to meet the needs of patients across the region. Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important.
Vitalant is the only blood provider to nearly 70 hospitals across the region. The blood supply is dependent on selfless donations from volunteer donors to ensure the lifesaving needs of the region are met.
About 30 percent of Vitalant’s blood supply goes to cancer patients across the region and one in seven people entering the hospital will need blood. Those relying on blood in the region receive that life-saving blood from Vitalant.
Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at http://www.bloodhero.com or by calling (877) 25-VITAL. With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn points in Vitalant’s donor rewards program. The next blood drive at this location is planned to be held on July 22.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Health History Questionnaire the day they donate on http://www.vitalant.org
