First Blood Drive of 2020

The American Red Cross is coming to Lincoln on Thursday, Feb 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Lincoln's first blood drive of the year at the Community Hall.

Sherry Sidell, coordinator for the Lincoln Blood Drive says there are still a few appointments left for the afternoon. If you would like to walk-in, they may be able to fit you in, but appointments are very beneficial. If appointments fill prior to the blood drive, there is the possibility that the Red Cross may send additional staff to accommodate more donations.

Most people know that donating blood saves lives, but here are some interesting facts about just how.

First, blood donations can be used nationwide in areas where there is a serious need at any given time. As a donor, people also have the ability to know where their blood goes through an alert and tracking system.

Second, one pint of blood can save up to three lives. When whole packs of blood aren't used, they are broken down into three percentages to help in specific areas.  45 percent of red blood cells are used in trauma patients. Trauma patients can have a need for up to 50 pints of blood or more. 55 percent is plasma, which is used for burn victims, and the rest is platelets that are used to help cancer patients.

Sidell has volunteers to help run the event, which has been happening in Lincoln for several years. Ellie Schouten and Sue Anderson help Sidell by hanging posters up around town and registering attendees the day of the blood drive. Sidell schedules all of the appointments and makes reminder calls to scheduled donors, in addition to working directly with the Red Cross to facilitate the event.

If you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment to donate, please call Sherry at 406-362-4831. Your donation could save a life.