| Blood
drive achieves goal
“I am so excited that we made a goal for the second time in a row,” said Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive co-chair. “We hold our breath until the blood drive coordinator lets us know how many units we had. We can track how many donors come through the door, but we are never totally sure how many deferrals we had. We had 82 donors, but only 73 usable units due to the deferrals. We seem to get a lot of deferrals due to low iron so we want to remind our donors to eat an extra healthy diet high in iron the week prior to donating and it is also important to drink plenty of liquids a few days before donating blood.” We had four donors who were able to do the ‘double’ red cell donation. During a ‘double’ red cell donation, blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile single-use collection set to an automated machine. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back through the same arm. Donors have to meet specific criteria in order to donate the two units of blood; height, weight, age and specific blood type. These donations count as two donations so a donor is only able to donate every other time. “Once again a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers; without them this blood drive would not be possible; Doris Sonnen, Marlene Jungert, Judy Forsman, Norma Schumacher, Theresa Uptmor, Sally Rehder, Carol Lauer, Lauren Alfrey, VFW Post and Austin Sonnen,” said Cheri Holthaus, blood drive co-chair.“The volunteer duties include, putting up signs, making lunch for the Red Cross workers, escorting donors, checking in donors and offering maple bars, water and juice. We have some of the best volunteers around.” said Holthaus. “We would also like to acknowledge our first time donors; Debbie Crea and Alley Roemer,” said Kaschmitter. “Both are employees at our Cottonwood Clinic, so they understand the importance of donating.” Along with the first time donors there were several who received milestone pins. Sr. Corrine Forsman received a 3 gallon pin. Delmer Goeckner and Barb Michels both received their 6 gallon pins and Chris Kaschmitter received her 10 gallon pin. A very special thank you to all of these folks for their continued dedication to the Red Cross. Co-chairs; Brenda and Cheri would also like thank the employees of St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful support of the blood drive by coming in and donating. The hospital also purchases the maple bars, fruit and vegetables the donors enjoy after giving blood. The next blood drive will be held on September 29th; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda or Cheri at 962-3251. |
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