The current blood drive is from November 18 through November 29th.
Click to Register at either Cedar Rapids Donor Center:
Make sure to tell the front desk that you are there for the Rotary Blood Drive Challenge.
Why should you donate blood?
- Save Lives: One blood donation can save up to three lives. Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.
- Health Benefits for Donors: Donating blood can provide health benefits such as reducing iron levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
- Community Support: Blood donations help maintain a stable blood supply, which is crucial for hospitals and emergency services.
- Emotional Well-being: Helping others can improve your emotional well-being, reduce stress, and provide a sense of belonging.
- Burn Calories: Donating blood can burn up to 650 calories per donation.
- Donations drop by around 20% during holiday weeks. Your donation will ensure that all patients have the treatment they need no matter what time of year!
Never donated before? Check out these tips…
How to prepare for your blood donation:
- Eat good meals for breakfast and lunch the day of the drive (choose healthy, well rounded meals with lean protein, greens, and whole grains)
- Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the drive (at least 8 glasses of water per day)
- Bring your Photo ID
Tips for boosting your iron levels: one to two weeks before the drive, try adding in some foods such as lean meats, plenty of leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, and whole grains.