Whole Blood, Double Red Cell and Platelets to be Collected at Upcoming CGH Community Blood Drive
Contact: Rebecca Green
Due to low summer donations, and increased patient need, the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) urges all eligible donors, especially those with AB or O blood type, to donate at CGH Medical Center’s upcoming community blood drive. The drive is scheduled for Thursday, August 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the CGH Ryberg Auditorium, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling. In addition to whole blood and double red cell donations, platelets will also be collected – something that could only be donated previously by driving to Davenport or Peoria.
“Platelet donation is important because these are the cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding,” said CGH blood drive coordinator Connie VonHolten, RN. “They are essential to fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets, and the platelets must be used within five days.”
All presenting blood and platelet donors will receive a voucher for a $10 gift card to Amazon.com, Casey’s General Store, Dairy Queen or Domino’s. As an extra thank you for helping people in our community, each donor will earn points as part of the IMPACT Loyalty Program for exclusive donor gifts through the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.
Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Individuals who have not donated with the MVRBC in the past will need to bring a photo ID to the blood drive to get registered. To schedule an appointment to give blood, please contact Michelle Nelsen at (815) 625-4790, ext. 6879; Connie VonHolten at (815) 625-0400, ext. 5425; or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/84695.