Winter storms deplete area blood supplies

Blood drive cancellations due to winter storms has led to a greater need.

In the Waterloo-area alone, the Red Cross cancelled three blood drives resulting in nearly 250 fewer blood donations.

Overall, the Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross cancelled 14 blood drives due to inclement weather, totaling more than 800 blood donations.

As Iowans dig out from the snow and ice, and traveling is deemed to be safe again, the American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to make an appointment to help replenish lifesaving blood supplies.

Platelet and type O negative blood donations are especially needed.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to anyone. A recent surge in patient usage has increased the need of this blood type.

With a shelf life of just five days, platelet donations are constantly needed, especially when severe weather affects the normal steady flow of donations. Platelets are used to help cancer patients, who rely on transfusions following chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

For those interested in making an appointment to donate platelets at the Waterloo Blood Donation Center, call 1-800-626-4017 ext. 357.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

• Waterloo Blood Donation Center, 2530 University Ave. Open Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday.
• Epworth community blood drive on Friday, December 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church (102 E Main St, Dyersville). For an appointment, call Joyce at 563-875-7434.
• Grant Wood Chapter blood drive on Saturday, December 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at 6300 Rockwell Dr NE (Cedar Rapids).
• Cedar Falls AMVETS blood drive on Monday, December 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at AMVETS Post #49 (1934 Irving St, Cedar Falls.) For an appointment, call Marv at 319-268-1280.
• Grant Wood Chapter blood drive on Monday, December 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 6300 Rockwell Dr NE (Cedar Rapids.)
• Cipco blood drive on Tuesday, December 15 from noon to 5 p.m. at 1400 Hwy 13 (Cedar Rapids.) For an appointment, call Jeanie at 319-366-4512 ext. 300.
• Cedar Rapids Holiday Blood Drive on Thursday, December 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marriott (1200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids).
• Grant Wood Chapter blood drive on Saturday, December 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at 6300 Rockwell Dr NE (Cedar Rapids.)
• Grant Wood Chapter blood drive on Monday, December 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 6300 Rockwell Dr NE (Cedar Rapids.)

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Anyone 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.