Hackensack’s blood drive brings in 71 volunteers

   Hackensack community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on August 24 at the Community Building which helped collect a total of 70 units of blood products for patients in need. 

   A total of 71 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 62 individuals were able to donate at the Vitalant blood drive on August 24. A total of eight 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 10 donors who volunteered for the first time.

   Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Loralee Torkelson, who coordinated the drive, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church who 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! The next blood drive at this location is planned to be held on: October 25.

   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