LifeServe Blood Center is encouraging Iowans to mark National Wellness Month in August by making blood donation part of their self‑care routine.
The nonprofit says each donation can help up to three patients — and also gives donors a snapshot of their own health. Every visit includes a mini‑screening that checks blood pressure, pulse, temperature, cholesterol and hemoglobin levels, which can flag issues like anemia or elevated blood pressure that often go unnoticed.
LifeServe Medical Director Dr. Alex Smith says many donors, especially younger first‑time donors, learn about previously unknown health concerns through these screenings. Donors can also track their results over time through the LifeServe Donor Portal. The organization says blood donation supports both community health and personal wellness, making it a fitting habit to start during National Wellness Month.
Several local drives are planned in the Storm Lake area next month. LifeServe will host a Storm Lake blood drive 12:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at St. Mark Lutheran Church — located at 1614 W. Fifth St. — and another 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at United Methodist Church — located at 211 E. Third Street. A Sioux Rapids drive is scheduled for 2:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Graeber-Rowe American Legion — located at 200 Main Street.
Appointments can be made at lifeservebloodcenter.org or by calling 800‑287‑4903.
LifeServe provides blood products to more than 175 hospitals across Iowa and neighboring states and has served the region since 1947.
