IOLA – The Iola Fitness and Aquatic center held a blood drive Sept. 17 that included free Peanuts shirts and a wide range of pumpkin desserts. The drive was held in the center’s Mishler room.
Donors exceeded the number of productive units over the last two drives with a total of 37 units that were collected. This amount of unites of blood will go to help 37 to 111 persons.
Blood donations help a variety of patients, which include those with cancer, patients needing surgery, or those who were in an accident.
The Iola Lions ran the drive for the American Red Cross.
Despite the turnout, a handful of donors were deferred for various medical reasons. The Iola Lions and American Red Cross reminded donors to limit caffeine the morning of the blood drive.
According to a new study in the Haemotologica journal, caffeine consumption prior to a blood donation can break down red blood cells and it can be more prone to damage during storage.
Another factor to take into consideration if a donator is worried about their hemoglobin count, is to eat things like beef, liver or spinach in the days before the drive.
According to the American Red Cross, a patient’s hemoglobin is tested with a finger stick prior to donation to ensure it is high enough for a body to maintain its energy and strength.
If the levels are too low it is not safe to continue to the donation portion of the appointment.
The next blood drive is scheduled Nov. 12, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Iola Fitness and Aquatic Center, 445 South Jackson Street.
Three more drives have also been scheduled for 2026, these dates include Jan. 21, March 18 and June 3.
For more information about donating blood, please go to www.redcrossblood.org.
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