Cannon County Blood Drive Better Than Expected

Traditionally blood drives during the summer months perform slower than other times of the year. The results at the end of the day were a little different than expected. The American Red Cross conducted a blood drive last week in Woodbury. Based on recent blood drives and past history, a reachable goal of 55 units was projected.

Red Cross workers were not prepared for the response of the local donors in Cannon County. Just moments past the half-way mark of the drive (3:20 pm) 55 possible donors had signed in, many came to the doors, looked in and left due to the number of people waiting without ever signing in.

Problems with computers occurred, which delayed time of start, and the effectiveness of the Red Cross staff. Six computers were needed for histories, but only four could be used due to system errors.

Despite all the challenges, eighty-eight persons signed in to donate, seventy nine stayed to go thru the first step of the screening, ten of those were deferred, and 3 had problems after the blood started being drawn. Sixty-nine donors with three not being able to count as productive, and five of those productive were double red cell donors (which count as a additional unit) gave a grand total of 71 productive units.

The bloodmobile visits are sponsored by members of the Woodbury Lions Club.