ImpactLife blood donor program looking to provide relief to Ukraine

ImpactLife is marking the anniversary of its name change with an invitation for donors to support blood industry relief efforts in Ukraine.

From now through World Blood Donor Day on June 14, donors are encouraged to contribute points through the Donor for Life Rewards Store.

ImpactLife will match the equivalent up to $10,000, the organization announced in a news release. It will send the funds through a matching program established by Blood Centers for America. Blood industry vendor Fresenius Kabi has pledged to match up to $250,000 of qualifying donations made to the BCA fund by June 30, the release said.

“The war has resulted in a severe shortage of blood bags and other blood collection supplies that are critical to immediate patient care in Ukraine,” ImpactLife CEO Mike Parejko said. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to join our donors and industry partners in supporting our colleagues in Ukraine.”

Donor For Life is the appointment-scheduling and rewards program at ImpactLife and donors can earn points with each donation, the release said. Now, the organization is allowing donors to contribute to Ukraine-relief effort in 500-point increments.

The event comes a year after the blood center’s name changes. Until last year, ImpactLife had undergone multiple name changes after mergers between the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Central Illinois Community Blood Center and the Community Blood Services of Illinois.

“After operating with three separate names for more than a decade, we are united under one name that better reflects our mission in terms of what we do versus where we are located,” ImpactLife Vice President of Donor Relations and Marketing Amanda Hess said. “This change has increased efficiencies and strengthened our brand identity across our region.”

For those interested in participating in Ukraine program, visit www.bloodcenter.org/Ukraine.

ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization, providing blood services to 125 hospitals in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. It’s also a resource sharing partner across the country.