VCHS Blood Drive brings in 24 volunteers

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Valley City High School hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on February 28 at Valley City High School which helped collect a total of 24 units of blood products for patients in need.

A total of 24 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 20 individuals were able to successfully donate at the Vitalant blood drive on February 28. A total of two donors also came forward to donate Power Red Cells (2RBC) which collects two units of red blood cells while returning platelets, plasma and a saline solution back to the donor. There were six people who volunteered for the first time!

Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Tatiana Eggum, who coordinated the drive, and Peer Facilitators which sponsored the blood drive, as well as others who assisted with the drive: Taylor Yanish, Asya Berg, Faith King, Hadlee Mathias, Drew Potratz, and Claire Powell.

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 usable 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