Blood donations are needed both locally and throughout Iowa after the extreme winter weather resulted in canceled blood drives and closures of blood centers throughout the state.

According to Danielle West, regional vice president of Life Serve Blood Center, the severe cold and snowstorms led to the loss of more than 900 blood donations which significantly impacted the supply of blood products.

“The need for blood in our hospitals is constant,” said West. “LifeServe alone needs 2,600 red blood cells collected per week to meet the needs of patients who rely on blood transfusions for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, and more. Without a steady flow of donations, we risk being in a dangerous situation where hospitals could face shortages and be unable to take care of their patients.”

LifeServe Blood Center, 118 S. 25th St., is taking appointments by telephone at 800-287-4903 and online at LifeServeBloodCenter.org.