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 September 23 at St. John’s Catholic Church, and collected a total of 44 units of blood products for patients in need.
A total of 47 individuals volunteered to donate blood, and 39 individuals were able to donate at the Vitalant blood drive on September 23. 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. There were two people who volunteered for the first time!
Vitalant expressed their gratitude to St. John’s Catholic Church which sponsored the blood drive, and to Sharon Lesmeister, who coordinated the drive, as well as others who assisted the day of the drive; Deb Myhre, Eunice Throlson, Karen Anderson, Barb Grainger, 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 useable 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!
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! The next blood drive is planned to be held on Nov. 22 at the First Lutheran Church.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments, with 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 at http://www.vitalant.org/health.
