| Blood
drive meets goal
“This community is truly amazing and we are so excited that we made our goal again this time,” commented Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive co-chair. “Our goal was 77 and we collected 86 usable units”. There were 70 ‘regular’ units and 8 ‘double’ units (which count for 16) collected. 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 have a specific blood type. “Once again a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers; without them this blood drive would not be possible; Judy Forsman, Mary Lorentz, Joyce Lorentz, Linda Arnzen, Kathy Stubbers, Kathy Kuther, Anna Kaschmitter, and VFW Post 491” said Donna Quick, blood drive co-chair. “The volunteer duties include, putting up signs, making lunch for the Vitalant workers, checking in and escorting donors, and offering maple bars, water and juice. We have some of the best volunteers around.” said Quick. Co-chairs; Brenda and Donna would also like thank the 17 dedicated employees of St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful support of the blood drive for coming in and donating, we couldn’t do this without them! Similarly a big thank you to St. Mary’s Hospital for sponsoring our blood drive and for purchasing the maple bars, fruit and vegetables the donors enjoy after giving blood. The next blood drive will be held on April 14, 2020; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda Kaschmitter at 962-3251 or you can self-schedule by going online at www.vitalant.org. |
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