“With the severe shortage at blood banks nationwide, we are so happy that we reached our goal at our drive on January 25, 2022,” commented Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive co-chair. “Our goal was 95 and we collected 97 usable units”. We are truly blessed to have the awesome support of the community!
There were 81 ‘regular’ units and 8 ‘double’ units (which count for 16) collected.  During a ‘double’ red cell donation, blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile single-use collection set to an automated machine.  The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back through the same arm.  Donors have to meet specific criteria in order to donate the two units of blood; height, weight, age and have a specific blood type. Donors also have to wait 16 weeks before they can donate again, versus the 8 weeks for a regular unit.
“Once again a big thank you to all of the amazing volunteers; Linda Arnzen, Judy Forsman, Joyce Lorentz, Mary Lorentz, Kathy Stubbers, Sylvia Uhling and Theresa Uptmor” said Donna Quick, blood drive co-chair.  “The volunteer duties include, checking in and escorting donors, and offering maple bars, water and juice to the donors as well. We would also like to extend a big thank you to the VFW Post 491 for making lunch for the Vitalant workers, they are really grateful for this meal! We have some of the best volunteers around.” said Quick. 
“We are so excited at the amount of first time donors we had at this drive exclaimed Brenda Kaschmitter and we would like to acknowledge all seven; Barbara Morris, Jessica & Jim Nixon, Drew O’Harra,  Kyle Petersen, Stephanie Riener, and Cody Wilkinson, our hope is that they will now become life-long donors,” said Kaschmitter.
Co-chairs; Brenda and Donna would also like thank the 25 employees of St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful support of the blood drive by coming in and donating.  The hospital also purchases the maple bars, fruit and vegetables that the donors enjoy after donating blood. 
The next blood drive will be held on April 12, 2022; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda Kaschmitter at 962-3251 or you can self-schedule by going online at www.vitalant.org.