Trinity Health will host a community blood drive Thursday, November 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive will be held in the Vitalant donation bus, located in the Town & Country parking lot near the Trinity Health Cancercare Center.
The upcoming holiday season is typically a time when blood needs spike, according to Gary L. Wease, MD, a general surgeon and director of Trinity Health Trauma Services. “You have the holiday rush; people are out shopping and traveling to be with their families – oftentimes in inclement weather. It makes for a busy season.”
Trauma is one factor, but not the only reason why blood needs increase during the mid-winter months. A variety of medical circumstances contribute to the need for blood. “A lot of people, especially at the end of the year have met their deductibles for insurance and they’re trying to get those surgeries scheduled,” Dr. Wease said.
Red blood cells, plasma and platelets are also critical in the treatment of cancer patients, dialysis patients and people being treated for bleeding disorders.
Donating blood takes about 1 hour, including registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments. To schedule an appointment, call the Trinity Health Blood Bank at 701-857-5942.