Summer blood donors deserve big thank-you

I'd like to thank our loyal blood donors for providing a critical resource for local hospitals during a time of year that's always challenging for the blood supply. Donations to Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) typically drop by 20 percent between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Losing just one day of blood donation on a summer holiday means the loss of at least 600 donations across MVRBC's service region.

Donations lost due to Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day must be recouped elsewhere on a summer schedule that is already crowded with vacations and special events. This puts a strain on the blood supply all summer long, but the need for blood at local hospitals remains the same. Car accidents occur, surgeries are performed, and cancer patients are treated at roughly the same rate every week of the year.

Because units of blood expire within a few weeks of donation, it isn't possible to “stock up” before summer. Linn County residents who continue to give blood through summer months have made the difference so far this year for local hospitals. Thank you, donors!

Summer is not over and we still need donors to come forward. Will you give? To find opportunities to donate in and near Cedar Rapids, please call us at (800) 747-5401 or see www.bloodcenter.org.

Kirby Winn

Director, Public Relations

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center

Davenport