The Pine River community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Oct. 26 at Lifehouse Coffee that helped collect 25 units of blood products for patients in need.
A total of 28 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 23 individuals were able to successfully donate. Two donors came forward to donate Power Red Cells (2RBC), which collects two units of red blood cells while returning platelets, plasma and a saline solution back to the donor.
Donald Norman coordinated the drive, and the Pine River Lions sponsored the blood drive. Cindy Miller and Art Schmidt helped during the event also.
Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, but the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only useable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Each day in this region to keep up with patient needs - including preemies, surgery patients, accident victims and those battling cancer - 250 volunteer blood donors are needed daily.
Donors can make an appointment to give blood at donors.vitalant.org or by calling 877-25-VITAL. With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn reward points.
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Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments, while the blood draw typically taking less than 10 minutes. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Health History Questionnaire the day they donate on www.vitalant.org/health.
