Bleeding in the New Year

The annual blood drive conducted by Valley Service Organization (VSO) in conjunction with United Blood Services (UBS) of Wyoming will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The drive will be conducted from noon to 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Platte Valley Community Center, according to Roxie Baldwin, VSO project coordinator.

The goal for VSO’s 2016 blood drive is 28 donors, but 46 appointment slots are available, Baldwin said. All blood types except AB positive and negative will be accepted this time.

Blood and blood products are needed by people suffering from cancer, heart disease, severe anemia and bone and joint disorders, as well as those injured in accidents or disasters, Baldwin said.

UBS reports that 500 people a week are needed to donate blood to serve the region’s 47 area hospitals. Nationally about four million ill and injured patients need blood transfusions each year, Baldwin added that blood can only be stored on hospital shelves for 42 days, and every 3 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be 16 years of age or older and be in general good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 or 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Donors are reminded to drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and eat well before coming to donate and to bring their donor card if they have one and a photo ID.

Persons who wish to make an appointment and haven’t been contacted, or who wish to make sure their preferred time is available may call Baldwin at 307-326-8545 or Carol Sherrod at 307-326-5937. Donors may also sign up online at http://www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code toga). Baldwin also reminded donors that the online fast track interview available the day of the blood drive will save them time.