Successful Turn Out at Blood Drive in Milbank

Margaret Skoog, R.N and coordinator of the local Red Cross blood drive, reports 86 units of blood were collected on February 17 at Unity Health and Fitness (formerly Unity Square).  The total was just shy of the 90-pint goal.

Skoog says, “There were only three no-shows out of 81. That is really good.  In the past, it has been up to 30 percent.” She says she called and emailed donors to ensure every slot was filled because the Red Cross no longer accepts walk-ins. 

“Four people did not fill a complete bag and six were turned away because of low hemoglobin levels, elevated temperatures, non compatible medication, and elevated blood pressure.” Skoog says, “A father and son had very high blood pressure after working cattle which made them both ineligible to donate that day.”

Power Red was completed by 15 donors. Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. It separates your red blood cells from the other blood components while returning your plasma and platelets to you.

Skoog also noted that several people in our community have given over 100 units of blood. “The Red Cross no longer presents milestone pins, but you are able to go online anytime to check how many units of blood you have given.” See your total at redcrossblood.org.

COVID-19 has changed many things, including the distribution of snacks to blood donors. In past years, a local organization or church had always volunteered to provide drinks and snacks for the donors and meals for the volunteers. Skoog says, “Now everything must be prepackaged, including the juice.” On the plus side, Skoog says the Red Cross has created a use for plasma that has has proven to be miraculous for some individuals severely ill with COVID.  Also, the Red Cross tests every unit donated for COVID antibodies. She says, “Folks want to know if they have antibodies after recovering from the virus and this is an easy way to find out.”  It takes about a week for the results. Just go to Redcross.org. 
Don’t miss the next blood drive scheduled for July 20 at Milbank Health and Fitness.