Blood donors needed locally during pandemic
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January 13, 2021
Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases.
Ipswich residents are gearing up for community blood drives to help prevent possible blood shortages in the coming weeks.
The Ipswich community blood drive is planned on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 1:45 to 6 p.m. in Father Bormann Hall.
Appointments are encouraged to keep donors socially distanced. Face masks/coverings are required. To schedule an appointment call Larry Stafford 605-216-7354 or 1-877-258-4825 or http://www.vitalant.org .
Blood is only usable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Winter has challenges with the threat of weather/travel and holiday schedules and planning.
Before you roll up your sleeve to help someone else, take care of yourself. To prepare for your bood donation you should:
• Eat a healthy, low fat meal within two hours of your donation. The day before, eat a salty snack. When you donate blood, you lose about a gram of salt. Replacing it ahead of time helps keep your blood pressure normal.
• Hydrate by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages one hour before you donate. Water is a great choice.
• Avoid/limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, iced tea and energy drinks on the day of donation.
Vitalant is offering COVID-19 antibody testing with each complete blood draw to help find future convalescent plasma donors. Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/ weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have a signed Vitalant permission form from a parent or guardian. For questions on eligibility, call 1-800-289-4923.
To help speed up the process, donors can now complete their Health History the day of their donation by visiting http://www.vitalant.org .
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