Published by Kirby Winn on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 in News Releases
(May 24, 2021 | Davenport, Iowa) – ImpactLife is asking all eligible donors to help make sure blood is available for patient care whenever the need arises, and especially during National Trauma Awareness Month. Additional whole blood and platelet donations are needed to help ensure a sufficient inventory of blood components for local hospitals through the first summer holiday weekend of 2021. To schedule an appointment for donation, call (800) 747-5401 or schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org, or via the Blood Center's mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
“We never know when a crisis might arise that would lead to a spike in blood utilization, so it’s the donations already ‘on the shelves’ that make the greatest difference,” said Amanda Hess, Director, Donor and Public Relations. “Even though we have a holiday weekend ahead, we know the use of blood for both routine and emergency use will continue at a steady rate.”
Donors Make a Difference!
![Rain Stippec, transfusion recipient]()
Rain Stippec (right) suffered serious injuries from multiple gunshot wounds in February 2017. She received 103 units of blood in emergency treatment and subsequent surgeries to treat her injuries. Today, the St. Louis-based dancer has returned to her career in professional dance, choreography, and public speaking. (www.lorrainestippec.com)
Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is a special need for type O-negative, O-positive, A-positive, and B-positive whole blood donors, as well as platelet donors. “Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation, so we want to improve those schedules to make sure our inventory keeps pace with patient need before and after Memorial Day,” said Hess.
O-negative red blood cells and AB plasma are “universal” blood components, so named because these components can be transfused to patients of all other blood types and are frequently used in emergency settings.
To thank those who come to give blood at this critical time of year, everyone who registers to donate at an ImpactLife Donor Center or mobile blood drive will receive a voucher to redeem for a $10 gift card to the recipient’s 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 persons age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health 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.
National Trauma Awareness Month
American Trauma Society (ATS) and The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) have come together in the development of the annual National Trauma Awareness Month (NTAM) campaign. Injury Prevention professionals from throughout nation have seen a rise in injuries related to the ways we have been living our lives during a pandemic. Raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts in this new way of living, working, and playing is more important now than ever. For more information, see www.traumanurses.org/2021-national-trauma-awareness-month.
Rapid Response: donor loyalty program for universal donors
Because “universal” blood types for red blood cells and plasma are so greatly needed, donors with O-negative, O-positive, AB-negative, or AB-positive blood types can qualify for additional donor loyalty rewards. Those who give whole blood or platelets four or more times in the same calendar year, or double red cells three or more times in the same calendar year, earn 800 bonus points to use in the ImpactLife Donor for Life Points Rewards Program.
About ImpactLife
ImpactLife is a not-for-profit community organization providing blood services to 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, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.
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