Still in need of donors

Andrew Heiserman
Posted 7/8/20

The Rock River Valley Blood Center teamed up with Central Bank of Rochelle and 102.3 the Coyote radio station to host its second annual “Save Our Summer” Blood Drive.

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Still in need of donors

Posted

ROCHELLE — The Rock River Valley Blood Center teamed up with Central Bank of Rochelle and 102.3 the Coyote radio station to host its second annual “Save Our Summer” Blood Drive.
The blood drive took place on Monday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Central Bank Community Room and mobile blood drive buses to maintain proper social distancing. Donors showed up to the event, registered, answered a couple questions and completed a mini physical examination before donating blood.
“All of the blood is used to service our local hospitals,” Rock River Valley Blood Center donor care supervisor Traci Miles said. “We help the Rochelle Community Hospital, Edgarton, Beloit, Freeport, Belvidere, Harvard and three hospitals in Rockford.”

Last year’s event raised 36 units of blood and this year’s goal was set at 33 units of blood to be distributed to hospitals in the area. While the event was a success, the Rock River Valley Blood Center is still seeking additional donations.
Walk-ins are welcome when there is room between appointments, but if there is no room, walk-ins are scheduled for a different time or date. The blood center is currently in need of all types of blood, but would especially encourage anybody who has the blood type of O-negative to donate.
“While we are in need of all types of blood, O-negative is the universal blood type, meaning anybody can receive O-negative blood,” said Miles. “It really feels good to know that each donation will go towards helping somebody because all of our blood is used.”
Anybody who is 16 years old with parental consent, or over the age of 17, can donate blood as long as they are in generally good health.  The blood center recommends that anybody who is thinking of donating blood eat a good meal and stay hydrated before doing so.
“Donating blood for me started out as a New Year’s resolution, once a year, twice a year, then four times a year,” blood donor David Schulz said. “It feels very good to give back to those who need it and giving blood is something that more people should be doing.”