Published by Kirby Winn on Monday, February 28, 2022 in News Releases
ImpactLife has an immediate need for additional donors to support our region’s blood supply. Red blood cell inventory for most blood types is at three days or less, and lower still for type O red blood cells and platelets from all blood types. While the weather outlook in our region is improving, winter storms caused blood drive cancellations for ImpactLife as recently as last week. Snow, ice, and high winds have cancelled appointments and blood drives totaling hundreds of donations throughout the month of February. With warmer temperatures on the way, ImpactLife reminds donors the demand for blood remains strong. To schedule appointments for donation, call (800) 747-5401, online at www.bloodcenter.org, or by using the blood center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
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Thank the Donor: Transfusion Recipients Share Thanks
Donations made with ImpactLife help ensure blood components are available for patient care at local hospitals across our region. Transfusion recipients have the opportunity send a message of appreciation to the donor who provided their specific unit(s) of blood through an ImpactLife program called "Thank the Donor." Recipients of blood transfusions have sent more than 600 messages since ImpactLife launched "Thank the Donor" in 2021, including this recent message from a patient who wrote, "After extensive back surgery, my blood pressure dropped scary-low, so I needed blood. I got yours and am well into recovery! Thank you!! From fellow (20-gal) donor"
Platelet donors needed (all blood types)
The supply of platelets available for patient transfusions has been especially low in recent weeks. Platelets are the component of blood that begins the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding. Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions. Cancer patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of traumatic injuries, and patients undergoing open heart surgery require platelet transfusions to survive. While red blood cells can be stored up to 42 days, platelets must be transfused within seven days of donation.
During a platelet donation, blood is drawn into a centrifuge to separate the components. Once separated, the platelets are removed from the centrifuge while the remaining blood components are returned to the donor. Donors of all blood types, including first-time donors, can schedule appointments to donate platelets at ImpactLife donation centers and on select mobile blood drives. For more information on platelet donation, call (800) 747-5401 or see https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/donating-options/platelets/.
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“Thank You” to Donors: all receive voucher for ImpactLife donor T-Shirt or gift card
All donors who register to give blood through March 20, 2022 at any ImpactLife donor center or mobile blood drive will receive a voucher to redeem for a gift card or the ImpactLife Saint Patrick’s Day-themed “Feelin’ Lucky” t-shirt, pictured at left. (Learn more at www.bloodcenter.org/promotions.)
About ImpactLife: donations support blood inventory for local patients and hospitals
ImpactLife is a not-for-profit community organization providing blood services to 125 hospitals in communities across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Services extend from southcentral Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri and from Danville, Illinois to Chariton, Iowa. ImpactLife operates 22 Donor Centers and holds approximately 5000 mobile blood drives annually. For a list of hospitals served by ImpactLife and a map of the blood center's service region, see www.bloodcenter.org/hospitals.
ImpactLife announced its new name in May 2021. For more information on the name change, see www.bloodcenter.org/impactlife. For more information, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.