Community blood drive falls short of May 20 goal

The Red Cross blood drive last Thursday fell short of donors collecting 49 units of the 68-unit goal.
The community blood drive was held in a new location in the expo building on the fairgrounds.
“It was a great building with plenty of room to maintain distances and grow the drive,” said Cathy Carman, American Red Cross Blood Services account manager.
Emma Jenkins, community blood drive coordinator, added, “The new location was terrific as it met all the important criteria to hold the blood drive.”
With the state track meet last week and the end of school, Carman said she thought that really hurt donor response.
There were 51 total donors presented with three first timers, she said.
“Whole blood donors can give at each blood drive in Imperial as they are in the 56 day rotation. We need everyone to support at all drives to keep blood supply stable,” Carman said.
Nationally there is a critical need for donations, and the low numbers can be attributed to donors becoming busier as restrictions are lifted, Jenkins said.
“Even though we did not meet our goal for units at this drive, donors who were scheduled kept those appointments, and we saw a number of walk-ins throughout the day,” she added.
Jenkins said the new location didn’t seem to be an issue with donors, and it is likely that the next community blood drive in September will be held at the same location again.
“Imperial has great loyal donors which we appreciate. Thank you,” said Carman.
The next Imperial blood drive is July 20, 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the CCS auxiliary gym.