The Need for Blood Doesn’t Take a Summer Break

Many people do not realize the importance of blood donation and the impact it has on our community. Blood cannot be manufactured or made in a lab, and our hospitals rely on donated blood and blood products to save lives, especially during times of increased need. LifeServe Blood Center supplies the blood that is collected in our communities to the hospitals we serve within those communities.

Local physicians call summertime “trauma season.” The need for blood rises and the number of blood donations seems to decline, creating a concerning situation for the community blood supply. This higher demand for blood results from increased accidents and medical emergencies, which is why all blood donors are being urged to donate as soon as possible.

At LifeServe Blood Center, your donation will help save your neighbor, a friend, family member or a stranger in your community. Check lifesaving off your summer bucket list and help save lives at one of our upcoming blood drives this summer.

Upcoming Blood Drives

Join LifeServe and the Iowa Cubs for a Baseball-Themed Blood Drive: Blood donation is in full swing this summer with LifeServe Blood Center and the Iowa Cubs! By donating blood with LifeServe, you are building a field of dreams for local patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.

Iowa Cubs Blood Drive

• Date: Friday, Aug. 9
• Times and Locations:
  • Principal Park: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Downtown Donor Center: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Details: All blood donors will receive a "DONOR" t-shirt while supplies last and a ticket voucher. Enjoy a ballpark hot dog after your donation at Principal Park and enter a drawing for the first pitch at an upcoming Iowa Cubs game.
• Appointments:
  • Principal Park: LifeServe Blood Center - Donor Portal
  • Downtown Donor Center: LifeServe Blood Center - Donor Portal

Have you caught Donor Fever? Join LifeServe at the Iowa State Fairgrounds: If you've found yourself with an overwhelming urge to serve your community, 16 years of age or older, normal blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin screenings, insatiable cravings for Nutter Butters and a strong desire to save lives through blood donation; experts suggest donating blood at the Iowa State Fair blood drive.

Iowa State Fair Blood Drive

• Date: Friday, Aug. 16
• Time: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds
• Details:  Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Blood drive is located within the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the western end of Grand Avenue, across from the DNR building, outside the IHeart/WHO Radio building, with closest entrance/exit GATE 11 (Grand Entrance). Donors must first have admission to the fair to donate. All donors will receive a tie dye "Peace, Love, Donate" t-shirt and "DONOR" market tote bag.
• Appointments:
  • LifeServe Blood Center - Donor Portal

Join the LifeServers and KGGO: When there's a blood shortage or patient need, who does your local hospital call? They call LifeServe Blood Center and the LifeServers. This summer, we invite you to join the lifesaving fight to save the world through blood donation! While it may not be as action-packed or anxiety-inducing as fighting ghosts, there is a constant need for blood in our communities. Some may argue that a blood shortage is just as, if not more, terrifying than coming face to face with Slimer, Muncher or Gozer.

So, what do you say? Will you answer the call and join LifeServe Blood Center at our upcoming Ghostbusters-inspired blood drive?

KGGO Blood Drive

• Date: Friday, Aug. 30
• Locations: Ames, Ankeny, Downtown, Marshalltown, Pella, Urbandale and West Des Moines Donor Centers
• Details: Donors will receive a limited-edition t-shirt.
• Appointments:
  • Lifeserve.info/schedule

As we embrace the vibrant days of summer, let's remember the importance of donating blood. The increased demand and decreased donor turnout make every donation crucial. Your contribution ensures hospitals are prepared, aiding those in need and strengthening our community. This summer, consider giving the gift of life — a simple act with an immeasurable impact.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.