Longville Lions blood drive brings in 61 volunteers

   The Longville community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on November 4 at St. Edwards Catholic Church which helped collect a total of 54 units of blood products for patients in need. 

   A total of 61 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 53 individuals were able to successfully donate at the Vitalant blood drive on November 4. A total of two donors also 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. There were six people who volunteered for the first time!

   Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Pat Boen, who coordinated the drive, and Longville Lions which sponsored the blood drive.

   Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that 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 a convenient 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!

   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