Two area blood drives scheduled

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center has two blood drives scheduled.

The first is set from 2-6:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield.

Donors who last gave blood on or before Nov. 14 are eligible to participate.

For appointments, call Doris Eklund at 472-4303.

The second blood drive is set from 3-7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Batavia Senior Citizen Center.

Donors who last gave blood on or before Nov. 15 are eligible to participate.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-452-1097.

According to the blood center, blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about an hour. Donors must be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. A blood donor card or other photo identification is required. Sixteen-year-old donors must present a signed parental consent form each time they donate; consent forms are available from blood center offices, including the Ottumwa Blood Center.

People with controlled high blood pressure and diabetics are eligible to donate blood.

Having enough blood to meet patient need is a balance between supply and demand. When winter weather hits, it forces the cancellation of numerous blood drives locally and across the country and often disrupts the balance.

Donors can help by giving blood before winter weather strikes and as soon as safely possible after the storm.

All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

Blood is a perishable product. Red blood cells last only 42 days, and platelets just five days. It must be replenished constantly.

Human blood has no substitute.

Recent blood drives bag 100 units

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center mobile unit drew 100 units of blood during three recent area blood drives.

A total of 42 units were drawn Dec. 9 at the Jefferson County Health Center Professional Clinic.

Thirty-three units were drawn Dec. 19 at the Mother Cabrini Parish Center in Richland.

Twenty-five units were drawn Dec. 20 at the Lockridge Senior Center.

Donors can give blood every eight weeks. One pint of blood can help save the lives of up to three patients.

To set an appointment to give blood or for information about giving blood, call 800-452-1097.