BLOOD DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED AFTER MULTIPLE SHOOTINGS IN DES MOINES

Last Updated on September 16, 2024

Over the weekend, multiple shootings in Des Moines caused patients at both MercyOne Des Moines and UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center to use more than 150 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. LifeServe Blood Center received urgent requests from both area hospitals following their massive transfusion protocols, asking for additional blood products to treat victims impacted by the shootings. Those requests are still coming in today.

“As the community blood provider, we rely on generous blood donors to support patients in need but are especially reminded of the importance of donating blood locally in times of tragedy,” said LifeServe Blood Center Regional Vice President Danielle West. “Unfortunate situations like these drive home the importance of having the right products on hospital shelves at the right time for patients in need. We're urging individuals to donate as soon as they can, at a local Donor Center or mobile blood drive, to help replenish our community blood supply.”

LifeServe Blood Center is the sole blood provider to hospitals in Polk County including MercyOne Des Moines, UnityPoint Health-Lutheran Hospital, Broadlawns, Iowa Methodist Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Methodist West Hospital. As the community-based blood center, LifeServe is prepared to support local hospital partners and communities in times of unprecedented emergency. The importance of a safe and stable blood supply is only further emphasized amidst tragedies like these. The only way these hospitals have lifesaving blood products available is through donors who donate with LifeServe.

LifeServe is encouraging community members to walk in or schedule their life-saving appointment today and commit to becoming a regular blood donor. If you are interested in donating blood, we urge you to visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call LifeServe at 800.287.4903.

LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Illinois. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member, or a stranger on the street. YOU make a difference in YOUR community. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800.287.4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.