Published on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Blog

June 12, 2026

FEEL-GOOD NEWS

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

This coming Sunday, June 14, is World Blood Donor Day! Each year we take the time to celebrate our incredible community who generously give of themselves to save the lives of others. From first-time donors taking that first brave step, to the veteran volunteers reaching major milestones of 100+ donations, every single person who rolls up their sleeves makes our world brighter.

Whether it's helping a cancer patient through treatment or ensuring our community stays prepared for whatever comes our way, donors are truly the heroes behind it all.

Thank you, ImpactLife community! You Put Good into the World.

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

WE ALL BLEED THE SAME

Despite some less-than-ideal weather, ten dedicated donors joined us for a drive hosted by The Project of the Quad Cities and The Atlas Collective on Sunday morning. It was a great reminder that when it comes to helping patients in need, we all bleed the same. Every donor who rolled up their sleeve helped the community's blood supply and supported a neighbor they may never meet.

As an extra thank you, each donor received a discounted registration for The Project's PRIDE 5K: Walk, Run & Roll on Saturday, June 27. We're a proud sponsor of the event again this year, and we've been given 10 free entries into the race for sponsoring! Email Alex Burkamper if you're interested - and we hope to see you there!

Ready to show your Pride? Update your social accounts with images from our official toolkit!

UP IN THE SKY! IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE...

When every second counts, first responders like the University of Iowa AirCare team rely on blood being ready when patients need it most. That's why we're always proud to team up with them for blood drives and to provide blood for their aircraft.

AirCare was the first emergency medical services organization in the Quad Cities region equipped for pre-hospital transfusion, a rapidly growing practice at the intersection of emergency medical service and transfusion medicine. When EMS teams respond to a bleeding patient, immediate action is crucial. Delivering a needed blood transfusion on scene or while en route to the hospital can significantly impact a patient’s survival.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LIFESAVERS

Did you know members of the Donor Relations and Marketing team go out into the community to share our story? Last week, Alex Burkamper, a Community Development Advocate, joined a panel discussion at Bettendorf High School focused on the importance of writing and communication in the professional world.

Alex spoke with students and shared how story telling, public relations, and strategic communication help connect communities to our lifesaving mission and inspire more people to become blood donors.

He was joined by Lt. Brian Crouch of the Bettendorf Police Department and Brennan Schmertmann of St. Therese Financial, who shared insights from their own careers. It was a great opportunity to help the next generation of lifesavers understand how their words can make a meaningful impact.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LIFESAVERS

THANK THE DONOR

"Thank you for your gift of blood! I sure hope it helps heal me! Thanks for donating."

Donors rarely get to see the other side of their gift. Thank the Donor changes that, providing a simple way for patients to share their gratitude with the people who donated the blood that helped save a life. With just a quick note, we help close the loop and remind donors that their generosity truly matters.

THANK THE DONOR
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Kristen Taets

Assistant Manager, Donor Services | Davenport, IA

Kristen Taets, Assistant Manager, Donor Services | Davenport, IA

Time at ImpactLife
Almost 6 years, started in September of 2020

Blood Type
O Positive

What runs through your veins?
Red blood cells, caffeine, and a passion for helping others.

What's your favorite thing about being part of our team?
I love knowing that the work we do has a direct impact on people's lives. Being part of an organization that helps give patients more time with their families and supports their recovery is incredibly rewarding. I’m also fortunate to work with an amazing team of people who are passionate about our mission and committed to making a difference every day. On top of that, I appreciate the opportunities our organization provides for growth, learning, and career development.

When you are not at work you can be found?
Playing video games (currently Ghost of Yotei), attending comedy shows, hiking, kayaking, and hanging out with my dog and two cats.

Feel-Good News is published every Friday to inspire + connect our ImpactLife team.

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