Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
New Rockford hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Sept. 16 at St. Johns Catholic Church. A total of 41 units of blood products were collected for patients in need.
That day, 37 individuals volunteered to donate blood. Five of those donors 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. Four people volunteered for the first time.
Vitalant expressed gratitude to Sharon Lesmeister, who coordinated the drive, and St. Johns Catholic Church which sponsored the blood drive. Others who assisted the day of the drive were Eunice Throlson, Sandi Lies, Gloria Rubio, Leonard Duchscherer and Father Reese Weber. Bank Forward provided the 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 this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases.
Vitalant is the only blood provider to nearly 70 hospitals across the region. The blood supply is dependent on selfless donations from volunteers to ensure the lifesaving needs of the region are met.
About 30% 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.
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 Nov. 14.
