Published by Amanda Hess on Monday, June 21, 2021 in News Releases
(June 21, 2021 | Davenport, Iowa) – ImpactLife joins blood providers across the United States in reporting critical blood shortages. Additional donors are needed in the days ahead to ensure the blood center’s ability to provide this lifesaving resource for hospitals and patients in our region. All eligible donors are asked to schedule appointments ASAP for donation by calling (800) 747-5401, scheduling online at www.bloodcenter.org, or via the Blood Center's mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
Blood Collection Update
Over the previous weeks, ImpactLife has collected approximately 85% of its weekly blood donation goal, leaving the local provider of blood components to more than 120 hospitals with just a one- to three-day supply of most blood components. ImpactLife, which serves local hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, seeks to collect approximately 3600 donations every week. By consistently collecting donations at that level, ImpactLife can support a five- to seven-day supply of all blood components.
In recent weeks, collections have been near 3000 donations per week, on average, due to reduced mobile drives that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and low donations following Memorial Day. With another summer holiday coming, it has not been possible to replenish supplies to levels needed and prolonged shortages may impact patients who are waiting on procedures like cancer treatment and surgeries. “Participating in a local blood drive or donating at an ImpactLife donation center is a great way to support our own communities,” says Nancy Kelting, VP Business Development. “We ask you to donate to avoid further shortages and delays of blood products to our patients who cannot afford to wait,” added Kelting, “and to ensure blood is on the shelf when accidents or other urgent needs occur.”
ImpactLife has added a weekly drawing for one of three $500 electronic gift cards to reward those who step up to support this critical summer need. Everyone who registers to donate at an ImpactLife Donor Center or mobile blood drive will also receive a voucher to redeem for a $10 electronic gift card choice of Amazon.com, Dunkin’ Donuts, Lowe’s, Target, Starbucks, or Walmart ($10 gift card voucher provided through July 11, 2021.)
Blood donations are often used to help treat patients with cancer, victims of trauma, and patients undergoing major surgeries. All individuals who are age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health may meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation. For more information, call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401, visit www.bloodcenter.org, or download the IMPACT mobile app at www.bloodcenter.org/app.
About ImpactLife
ImpactLife is a not-for-profit community organization providing blood services to more than 120 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as resource sharing partners across the country. Services extend from southcentral Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri and from Danville, Illinois to Chariton, Iowa. ImpactLife operates 19 Donor Centers and holds approximately 5000 mobile blood drives annually to provide blood components needed for patient transfusions at hospitals throughout our region.
ImpactLife recently announced its new name. For more information on the name change, see www.bloodcenter.org/impactlife. For more information about all blood services, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tik Tok and Snapchat.
Please note additional resources including graphics, b-roll, photos, and PSAs are available on our web site at www.bloodcenter.org/news. For help using these resources, please write to 2-marketing@impactlife.org.