New Rockford's blood drive brings in 71 volunteers

New Rockford hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Nov. 23 at First Lutheran Church, which helped collect a total of 60 units of blood products for patients in need.

A total of 71 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 58 individuals were able to donate at the Vitalant blood drive on Nov. 23. A total of two 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 six people who volunteered for the first time.

Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Marydean Weinman, who coordinated the drive, and First Lutheran Church which sponsored the blood drive, as well as others who assisted the day of the drive: Eunice Throlson, Bev Bjornson, Val Weisenburger, Dani Bjerke, Chloe Heinz, Kyria Dockter, Emma Duda, Madison Schuster, Andrew Presnell, Hailie Brown, Mya Cudworth and Delana Thomas.

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 volunteer donors 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.

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 March, 23, 2021.

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