DeGowin Blood Center hosts blood drive

The DeGowin Blood Center hosted a "keep our supply afloat" blood drive Thursday in the entryway of the John Pappajohn Pavilion at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

DeGowin Blood Center Assistant Laboratory Manager Laura Collins said the goal such drives is to continue to raise awareness about the need for whole blood and platelets, while simultaneously contributing to the hospital's internal supply.

"There's always blood available at the hospital when people need it, but the hospital does have to buy blood on a regular basis," Collins said. "Red blood cells expire in 42 days and platelets in five days, so there's a constant need -- all the blood donated to the Center stays here in the hospital."

According to Collins, the DeGowin Blood Center generally sees a decline in donations during the summer and around holidays, which can be an issue, as the need for blood remains the same or is sometimes even greater during those times.

In turn, the Center is constantly working to develop a network of donors.

Thursday's event is only one of dozens of community blood drives that are planned to take place over the next few months.  Returning students will help build up the center's supply, but walk-in traffic and new donors are always needed.

"We have a particular need for O-negative blood, since it's the universal blood type, O-positive and B-positive and B-negative," Collins said. "But we'll certainly take all types."

The process of donating blood generally takes about 45 minutes.

Although there are certain conditions or types of medications that limit one's ability to donate blood, many people are eligible -- all they need to do is contact the DeGowin Center or their local blood collection agency to find out whether or not they can donate.

"At some point, most of us will need to use donated blood, but the statistics indicate that only 5 percent of the population eligible population to donate actually do so," Collins said. "It's important to donate."

The UIHC transfused approximately 31, 517 units of blood last fiscal year, breaking down to average daily transfusions of approximately 50 red blood cells, 23 plasma and cryoprecipitate products and 12 platelets, Collins said.

For more information on the DeGowin Blood Center, ask questions about eligibility for blood donation or schedule an appointment to donate, individuals may visit the Center's website or call (319) 356-2085.

Upcoming DeGowin Center community blood drives are as follows:

Tuesday, August 23

UI Research Park and Bioventures Center (Coralville)

10 am to 2 pm

Multi-purpose Room

Wednesday, August 24

Johnson County Employee Wellness (Health and Human Services Building in Iowa City)

10 am to 2 pm

203 B & C

Friday, August 26

Sheraton Hotel (Iowa City)

1 pm to 5 pm

Ballroom

Tuesday, August 30

Back to School Drive

Noon to 4 pm

Iowa Memorial Union -  Iowa Room

Wednesday, August 31

College of Education

11 am to 3 pm

U of I Lindquist Center