Blood Donors needed

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is calling on blood donors to help respond to an increase in blood utilization by hospitals

within its four-state service region.

After several weeks of reduced activity, hospitals have eased restrictions on elective surgeries and are now providing treatment options that were previously postponed. MVRBC is now responding to a corresponding increase in demand for blood components by local hospitals.

To schedule an appointment for donation, call (800) 747-5401, visit www.bloodcenter.org, or use the Blood Center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations that host mobile blood drives have been forced to cancel or postpone events due to temporary closures, work from

home policies, and other factors. Over the last six weeks, demand for blood components has dropped to approximately 60% of normal levels.

As activity increases in hospitals served by MVRBC, patient need has returned to approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels.