Ames Residents Urged to Donate Before Summer Blood Drive

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Urgent Need for Blood Donations in Galicia This Summer: How You can definitely help Save Lives

AMES, A Coruña – July 8, 2025 – Galician hospitals are facing a critical need for blood donations this summer, and health officials are urging residents to donate before heading off on vacation. A new campaign, “Do not forget to donate before speaking,” launched this week with a mobile donation unit in Bertamiráns, Ames, aiming to secure 27,000 vital donations to support patients throughout the summer months.

Why Summer Donations Are Crucial

Blood donations typically decline during the summer due to travel and vacation schedules, creating a meaningful strain on the region’s healthcare system. Hospitals require approximately 400 blood donations daily to meet patient needs, making consistent supply a life-or-death matter.

“The summer months present the greatest difficulty in maintaining adequate blood supplies,” explains marisa López García, Director of the Organ and Blood Donation Agency (ONADS).”This campaign is vital to raise awareness and encourage both regular donors and first-time donors to participate.”

Mobile Donation Units Bring Convenience to Communities

To make donating easier, mobile blood donation units will be deployed to 220 Galician municipalities through september 15th. Today,Tuesday,the unit is located on Avenida de la Mahía in Bertamiráns,ames,in front of the square,operating from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

These mobile units bring the donation process directly to communities, eliminating the need for travel to larger donation centers in the seven major cities. The initiative is being supported by local municipalities, who are helping to disseminate facts through community organizations.

Ames Leads the Way in Blood Donation

The Ames City Council has demonstrated a strong commitment to blood donation,registering 1,501 donations in the past year – a rate of 46 donations per 1,000 inhabitants.This is 7 points above the Galician average, showcasing the community’s dedication to this life-saving cause. ONADS expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Ames City Council.

who Can Donate?

Donating blood is a simple and impactful way to give back to your community. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:

Age: Between 18 and 70 years old
Weight: Over 50 kilograms (approximately 110 pounds)
Health: Good general health

Specialized health personnel are available at all donation sites to assess donor eligibility and ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

How to Donate & Find More Information

Donating blood takes approximately 15 minutes and can save lives. Here’s how you can participate:

Visit a mobile Unit: Check the schedule for locations near you (see resources below).
Visit a Fixed Donation Center: Located in the seven largest cities in Galicia.
Contact the Helpline: Call 900 100 828 for information about mobile unit schedules and donation eligibility.
Online Resources:
Website: www.ados.sergas.gal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doadoressangue
Twitter: @doradorsSangue
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ (Note: the original source just had the base URL, I’ve left it as is, but a specific channel link would be better)

A Generous Gesture with a Lifesaving Impact

Donating blood is a selfless act that provides a lifeline to patients in need. By taking just a few minutes of your time, you can make a profound difference in someone’s life. Don’t delay – donate before summer to ensure a stable blood supply for Galicia’s hospitals.

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What factors are contributing to the current national blood shortage, and how does this impact Ames?

Why Your Blood Donation Matters This Summer

summer often sees a dip in blood donation levels, creating a critical need for volunteers in Ames and across the nation. Increased travel, vacations, and simply being outdoors mean fewer people are thinking about donating blood. However, the need for blood transfusions doesn’t take a vacation. Hospitals in Story County and beyond rely on a steady blood supply to treat patients facing emergencies, undergoing surgery, and battling chronic illnesses. Your single blood donation can save up to three lives.

Understanding the Current Blood Shortage

Nationally, the American Red Cross and other blood banks have reported concerningly low blood inventory levels. This isn’t just a national issue; it directly impacts the availability of blood for patients in ames. Several factors contribute to this:

Decreased Turnout: Fewer first-time donors and a decline in regular donations.

Seasonal Fluctuations: Summer traditionally experiences lower donation rates.

Hospital Demand: Ongoing medical advancements mean increased demand for blood products.

Trauma Cases: Unexpected events like accidents and injuries require immediate and substantial blood transfusions.

Who is Eligible to Donate Blood?

Many Ames residents are likely eligible to donate, but it’s critically important to check the specific requirements. Generally, donors must:

1. Be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states).
2. Weigh at least 110 pounds.
3. Be in good health and feeling well.
4. Meet specific hemoglobin level requirements.
5. Not have certain medical conditions or be taking specific medications (check with the blood donation center for details).

You can find a thorough eligibility checklist on the American Red Cross website (https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html). Don’t hesitate to call the blood center if you have questions about your specific situation.

Upcoming Blood Drive Locations in Ames

Several opportunities are available for Ames residents to donate blood in the coming weeks:

Ames Public Library: July 12th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

First United Methodist Church: July 19th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Iowa State University – Memorial Union: July 26th, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Walk-ins are often accepted, but scheduling an appointment is highly recommended to minimize wait times and ensure efficient blood collection. You can schedule online through the American Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Benefits of blood Donation: More Than Just Saving lives

Donating blood isn’t just a selfless act; it also offers benefits to the donor:

Free Health Screening: Before donating, you’ll receive a mini-physical, including checks of your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels.

Potential Health Insights: The blood screening can sometimes detect potential health issues you weren’t aware of.

Sense of Fulfillment: Knowing you’ve potentially saved a life is incredibly rewarding.

Reduced Iron Levels: For some individuals, donating blood can help regulate iron levels.

preparing for Your Blood Donation

Taking a few simple steps before your blood donation appointment can make the process smoother and more comfortable:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids in the days leading up to your donation.

Eat a Healthy Meal: Have a substantial meal before your appointment.Avoid fatty foods.

Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you’re well-rested.

Bring Identification: You’ll need a valid photo ID.

Wear Comfortable clothing: Choose clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.

The Importance of Diverse Blood Types

All blood types are needed, but certain types are in higher demand, notably during emergencies. Type O negative blood is the universal donor and is crucial for treating patients with unknown blood types. Though, all blood types are vital to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Knowing your blood type can also be helpful in understanding your contribution to the community.

Supporting the Blood Drive Even If You Can’t Donate

If you’re ineligible to donate blood, you can still support the summer blood drive in Ames:

Spread the Word: Share facts about the blood drive with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Volunteer: Blood donation centers often need volunteers to assist with registration, refreshments, and donor care.

Advocate: Encourage local businesses and organizations to host blood drives.

Donate Financially: Consider making a financial contribution to a local blood bank.