Blood drive kicks off Wednesday

News

July 18, 2011 - 12:00 AM

Overflowing crowds filled the Iola North Community Building in late May, as scores of blood donors turned out in response to a devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo. three days earlier.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, officials with the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City said.
But the need for blood has returned.
With a shelf life of only 35 days, all blood collected at the May 25 drive in Iola has since either been used or disposed.
“We’re at a critical level,” said Leanne DeLong, recruitment representative for the Community Blood Center.
“We’ve been helping them out,” she said, referring to regional blood centers that haven’t been able to acquire enough blood. “We all help each other out.”
While Joplin is serviced by the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, blood drives in that region have been cut back because of damaged facilities, DeLong said.
Community Blood Center’s blood drive will be in Iola from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye St. Community Blood Center services Allen County Hospital’s blood supply.
An even more urgent need is donors of O-negative, A-positive, B-positive and B-negative blood, “but we will definitely take all types,” DeLong said.
One donation can help as many as two local hospital patients.
Blood donors must provide identification, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Those donating blood should get a good night’s rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat well before donating.
To make an appointment call Kay Tindel at (620) 363-1181 or email to esavealifenow.org and use sponsor code iolacomm. Walk-in donors will be welcome.

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