The Degowin Blood Center has an ongoing need for all donated blood products, but the shortage of O positive, O negative, and platelets is especially critical now. Staff is particularly concerned about the current shortage because it is occurring just before the Christmas holiday week, a time when shortages of donated blood supplies typically appear each year.

You may sign up to donate by calling the DeGowin Blood Center at 319-356-2058 or visiting the Web site.

Every two seconds, an American needs blood. Each day, patients across the country receive approximately 38,000 units of blood. This year alone, as many as five million patients, as accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases, will require blood transfusions.

The DeGowin Blood Center supplies blood products for patients at UI Hospitals and Clinics. Last year, there were more than 32,000 transfusions involving blood products at UI Hospitals and Clinics, or an average of nearly 90 every day.

You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be cold and flu symptom free for five days to donate blood. If you have never given a platelet donation, please consider giving it try. Depending on your size, blood type, and blood counts, you may be able to donate platelets and red cells in just one donation session, allowing us to collect the blood products most needed.

For more information:

DeGowin Blood Center