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Blood donors needed to help Iowa hospitals through the holiday

News

July 3rd, 2014 by Ric Hanson

While Iowa launched a campaign this week to aim for zero fatalities on the state’s roadways, accidents are inevitable and hospitals will need blood to save the injured. April Oppliger, with the American Red Cross, says donors are urgently needed in Iowa to give blood.  “During the summer, that’s already a challenge, but then we come to the 4th of July and the summer holidays and we find fewer donors giving and fewer blood drives being hosted.” Oppliger says. “We’re asking people to come out and to roll up a sleeve and prevent a summer shortage.”

The process of donating blood takes about an hour and that one pint could save as many as three lives. She has a simple message for Iowans — give blood. Oppliger says, “The need is constant and you can help make a difference and give someone else hope for another summer and another memory and another 4th of July.”

All blood types are needed, but demand is up for three types: O-negative, B-negative and A-negative. Find the Red Cross office nearest to you by calling: 800-Give-Life.

(Radio Iowa)