DES MOINES, IOWA – Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. Blood donors have a unique opportunity to contribute to their community by making a life-saving blood donation.
You can make a difference by making a life-saving blood donation blood at the next VanDyke’s Taxidermy Blood Drive. The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Bloodmobile at Van Dyke’s Taxidermy, 39771 SD Hwy. 34.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, please contact LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Everyone who registers to donate blood goes through four simple steps during the donation process: registration, donor history screening, donating blood and enjoying snacks.
New blood donors who are not familiar with the blood donation process are encouraged to ask questions before, during and after their blood donation.  Below are a few tips for ensuring a successful blood donation:
• If you are 16 or 17 years old and you’ve never donated blood with LifeServe Blood Center, be sure to get a signed Parental/Guardian Permission Form.
• Get a good night’s sleep before your blood donation.
• Eat a good meal before donating blood. Do not donate on an empty stomach.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Bring a photo ID or Blood Donor ID card.
The Blood Center of Iowa joined operations with Siouxland Community Blood Bank in April 2010 to become LifeServe Blood Center. As one of the 15th largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe Blood Center provides blood and blood products to more than 90 hospitals located across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.  LifeServe is committed to providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800-287-4903 or visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org.