Ipswich community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, on November 9 at Holy Cross Catholic Church which helped collect a total of 49 units of blood products for patients in need.

A total of 44 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 39 individuals were able to donate at the Vitalant blood drive on November 9. A total of 10 donors also came forward to donate Power Red Cells (2RBC) which collects two units of red blood cells while returning platelets, plasma and a saline solution back to the donor. There was one donor who volunteered for the first time.

Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Larry Stafford, who coordinated the drive, Holy Cross Catholic Church, who provided a space for the blood drive, as well as others who assisted the day of the drive: Dianne Stafford, Deanne Hoyle, and Ipswich City Office and Ipswich Tribune for advertising.

Vitalant strives to keep a 5-day supply of every blood type on the shelf at all times to be able to meet the needs of patients across the region. Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases.

About 30 percent of Vitalant’s blood supply goes to cancer patients across the region and one in seven people entering the hospital will need blood. Those relying on blood in the region receive that lifesaving blood from Vitalant.

Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at http://www.bloodhero.com or by calling 877-25-VITAL.