Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The New Rockford community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on May 26 at St. John’s Catholic Church, which helped collect a total of 43 units of blood products for patients in need.
A total of 47 individuals0 volunteered to donate blood and 38 individuals were able to successfully donate at the Vitalant blood drive on May 26. A total of five 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.
Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Sharon Lesmeister, who coordinated the drive, and St. John’s Catholic Church, which sponsored the blood drive and provided the location, as well as others who assisted the day of the drive: Deb Myhre, Eunice Throlson, Marjean Pfau, Sandy O’Connor, Karen Anderson, and Father Reese Weber.
Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only usable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Each day in this region to keep up with patient needs, including preemies, surgery patients, accident victims and those battling cancer, 250 volunteer blood donors are needed daily!
Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at donors.vitalant.org or by calling 877-25-VITAL. With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn reward points!
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments, while the blood draw typically taking less than 10 minutes. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Health History Questionnaire the day they donate on http://www.vitalant.org/health.
