Blood Centers Offering Holiday Incentive to Donors

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By Lisa Kunkel

Story Created: Dec 22, 2011 at 12:48 AM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 22, 2011 at 12:48 AM CDT

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) invites donors to give the gift of life this holiday season.

While the demand for blood remains constant year-round, the rate of blood donation typically decreases during the holiday season. Donors are needed to help ensure the blood supply will remain adequate through late December and early January.

To recognize donors who provide this lifesaving resource at this busy time of year, MVRBC is pleased to announce its “Gift of Life” promotion. All persons who present to give blood at an MVRBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive between Monday, December 26 and Saturday, January 7 will be entered in a daily drawing for a $100 gift card.

Locally, this includes MVRBC’s Cedar Rapids Donor Center, as well as the following blood drives:

Cedar Rapids: Monday, December 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Luke’s Hospital

Springville: Tuesday, December 27, 2 – 6:30 p.m. at Springville Presbyterian Church

Marion: Wednesday, December 28, 2 – 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 298

Hiawatha: Thursday, December 29, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Hiawatha Fire Department

Cedar Rapids: Thursday, December 29, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center Central City: Wednesday, January 4, 2 – 6 p.m. at Central City High School

Fairfax: Saturday, January 7, 8 a.m. – noon at Fairfax American Legion

MVRBC is the provider of blood and blood components to Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital, among many others throughout eastern Iowa.

Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. A photo I.D. or MVRBC Donor Card is required to donate. All persons age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation.

For additional information on the Blood Center's service to hospitals in our region and for details on the blood donation process, including information on donor eligibility, see www.bloodcenter.org or call toll-free (800) 747-5401.