Blood Center of Iowa makes agreement with military in the event of war

The Blood Center of Iowa has joined forces with other blood centers nationwide to be “at the ready” to supplement the U.S. military’s blood supply during wartime if more blood is needed. Blood Center spokeswoman Christine Hayes says the military may need to rely on the general population for blood. She says this ensures the military can get the blood it needs if they need a big supply. Hayes hopes current donors will keep their commitment to the center and she hopes more people will make themselves available to give blood. More than 200-thousand units of blood were wasted after the influx of donors in the wake of 9-11 and Hayes hopes people plan ahead to donate blood without there being a great rush to donate all at once. She’s encouraging people to start donating blood on a consistent basis instead of waiting until war breaks out or another terrorist attack. Hayes says people should commit to donating blood every two months. The Des Moines-based Blood Center of Iowa is the largest independent blood collection center in the state, serving 43 hospitals in 39 counties.