Donors wanted for O’Fallon’s “Heroes of Summer” Community Blood Drive

When it comes to maintaining an adequate supply of blood for patients in local hospitals, summertime poses a challenge because blood supplies typically run low due to summer vacations. But the need for blood to help accident victims, surgical patients and others remains high.

To help maintain local blood supplies at safe levels, healthy adults can donate blood on Friday, July 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. The collection is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. All donations will be used by regional hospitals.

“A single whole-blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people,” said Kathy Halstead, O’Fallon’s Manager of Volunteer Services. “And platelet or double-red blood cell donations are especially important to cancer patients, surgical patients, and people with chronic blood disorders. Donors who pre-register for platelets and double-red cell donations will have a spot reserved for them in the pheresis donation area, which allows donors to comfortably give two to five times as many blood components as whole blood donations.”  

Appointments are encouraged to speed donations and ensure adequate staffing, but walk-ins for whole blood donations are welcome. Donors must show a photo I.D. and are encouraged to eat a good meal within four hours prior to donating. Refreshments will be served immediately after donations.

For an appointment, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

 For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

 Directions to O’Fallon Municipal Centre: On I-70, take Exit 217 at highways K and M (Main Street) in O’Fallon, MO. Drive north on Main Street for about one-half mile; cross the railroad tracks and make an immediate right to the O’Fallon Municipal Centre.