Blood from eastern Iowa donors is now helping struggling hospitals in the Los Angeles area, as the still-burning wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives.
Amanda Hess, spokeswoman for ImpactLife in Davenport, says they’re part of a national coalition of blood centers that routinely share supplies wherever they’re needed.
Hess says, “Our responsiveness in disaster situations, whether we’re talking about severe weather or whether we’re talking about wildfires, that is possible because of volunteer blood donors.”
Blood collection efforts in L.A. and the surrounding region are very limited by the fires, but for patient care to continue, hospitals are seeking outside support.
It’s the second time this month ImpactLife has been asked to support the blood supply in response to a major crisis. The first time was following the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
“It’s the volunteer blood donors that give blood routinely in the days and the weeks in advance of these disaster situations that save lives when moments matter,” she says.
Hess urges Iowans to donate blood, as all blood types are needed.
ImpactLife is headquartered in Davenport with offices in Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Iowa City, Muscatine and Ottumwa.