Blood drive collected a total of 50 units of blood

The Vergas community hosted a blood drive in memory of Connie Breitzman with Vitalant on Tuesday, June 21, at the Vergas Event Center which helped collect a total of 50 units of blood products for patients in need. 

A total of 46 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 42 individuals were able to successfully donate.

A total of eight 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 two people who volunteered for the first time.

Vitalant expressed their gratitude to Pam Krieg, who coordinated the drive, the Vergas Lions Club, which sponsored the drive, and to everyone who came out to honor Connie Breitzman.

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 useful for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. 

Approximately 250 volunteer blood donors are needed daily in this region to keep up with patient needs including preemies, surgery patients, accident victims and those battling cancer.

Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at 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 takes 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