Devils Lake, N.D. – Devils Lake Elks hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on February 1 at Elks Lodge #1216 which helped collect a total of 31 units of blood products for patients in need.
A total of 34 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 31 individuals were able to successfully donate at the Vitalant blood drive on January 25. There were two people who volunteered for the first time!
Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Andy Wakeford, who coordinated the blood drive, Elks Lodge #1216 which sponsored and provided the location, as well as others who assisted with the drive: Perry Garske, Dennis Olson, and Dusty Wolf.
Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only useable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Winter has challenges with the threat of weather/travel and planning, but the winter weather is no wonderland for hospital patients who depend on blood to keep them healthy and alive.
Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at www.donors.vitalant.org or by calling 877-25-VITAL. With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn reward points.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments, while the blood draw typically taking less than 10 minutes. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Health History Questionnaire the day they donate on www.vitalant.org/health
