Blood Donors Urgently Needed to Help New Orleans Terror Attack Survivors
Blood from eastern Iowa donors is currently aiding survivors of the tragic New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. Amanda Hess, spokesperson for ImpactLife in Davenport, revealed that they are part of a national network of blood centers that work together to distribute supplies wherever they are required.
In response to the recent New Orleans incident, ImpactLife swiftly dispatched less than a dozen O-red cells as part of their standard protocol through the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps. These units are always on standby for immediate shipping during mass casualty events. The urgent need for blood arose after a man deliberately drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in 15 fatalities and at least 35 injuries. The perpetrator was later killed in a confrontation with law enforcement.
Urgent Call for Blood Donations
Hess is appealing to the people of Iowa to step up and donate blood to replenish dwindling supplies, emphasizing that this period is one of the most challenging for blood centers. She highlighted that during holiday weeks, donations typically drop by 20-25%, placing a strain on the blood supply, particularly during consecutive weeks.
All Blood Types Needed
Emphasizing the critical importance of blood donations, Hess stressed that all blood types are required. Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, while platelets only last about a week. Platelets, in particular, require immediate transfusion, making them a constant daily necessity.
ImpactLife’s Outreach Efforts
Based in Davenport with branches in Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Iowa City, Muscatine, and Ottumwa, ImpactLife is actively promoting additional donor incentives to encourage more people to donate. Hess expressed gratitude for the dedicated volunteer donors who consistently step up to help in times of need.
As we navigate through the aftermath of the New Orleans tragedy, let’s remember the power of unity and compassion in times of crisis. Your decision to donate blood could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need. Take action today and make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by this senseless act of violence.
