Drive collects 29 units

File photos
Frazee residents volunteer to give blood. During the recent blood donation drive there were 26 donors.

The Frazee community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Feb. 2 at the Frazee Event Center which helped collect a total of 29 units of blood products for patients in need. 

A total of 26 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 25 individuals were able to successfully donate. A total of four 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. 

Mary Olson coordinated the drive.

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. 

B lood 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.