Winter Weather Affects Blood Donations

Last Updated on December 22, 2022

The recent winter weather has affected the travel plans of many midwestern families. However, it is also affecting your local blood supply. Today alone, LifeServe Blood Center has seen over 216 appointment cancellations. Donor centers have opened late and/or closing early and many mobile blood drives have been completely cancelled. 

With each cancellation it lowers the amount of blood on the shelf for local hospitals. Hospitals that treat traumas need to have a sufficient amount of blood products on hand in order to treat trauma patients. A single automobile accident can use up to 50 red blood cell units. 

Trauma patients aren't the only patients who are relying on the steady blood supply. Cancer patients are the number one recipients of blood products and can use up to eight platelet units per week. Other surgeries needing blood products include organ transplants, heart surgery, child birth, anemia, and more. 

Human blood can not be manufactured which means the only way your local hospital can receive blood is from generous blood donors. 100% of the blood products needed by your community hospital will come from LifeServe blood donors who donate with LifeServe in the communities we serve. Please take time and schedule a donation today and save a life tomorrow!

^{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 157 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. 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.}