The Ipswich community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on January 20 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church which helped collect a total of 29 units of blood products for patients in need.

A total of 31 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 25 individuals were able to successfully donate at the Vitalant blood drive on January 20. A total of four 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.

Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Jerry Brooks, who coordinated the drive, the Ipswich Lions who sponsored the blood drive, and the Holy Cross Catholic Church which provided the location.

Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only useable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Winter has challenges with the threat of weather/travel and planning, but the winter weather is no wonderland for hospital patients who depend on blood to keep them healthy and alive.

Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at http://www.donors.vitalant.org or by calling 877-25-VITAL. With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn reward points.

Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments, while the blood draw typically taking less than 10 minutes. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Health History Questionnaire the day they donate on http://www.vitalant.org/health .