After tornadoes have torn through parts of Iowa and five other states this December, blood donation organizations are reaching out to residents to help those who have been impacted. 

The American Red Cross began seeking donations following the December 10th tornadoes that have resulted in dozens of fatalities across Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Impact Life (formerly known as the Mississippi Valley Regional Center) Donor Relations Consultant Chris Ciasto says their blood center works with hospitals across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri to assist in any trauma-related incident. Ciasto says that although they have not received calls for help, it’s important for the public to consistently donate so they can be ready anytime tragedy strikes, “For us to have a consistent supply, that’s where we rely on regular donors to come out regularly. Because we never know when a tragedy or a storm surge is going to pass through our area. So if the blood wasn’t on the shelves two weeks before that then it doesn’t do those patients any good.”

Ciasto says they usually see a downward trend in donations  during the holiday season due to not as many clinics scheduled at this time. However, Impact Life will be hosting a mobile blood drive at the Washington Hy-Vee from 3 to 6 p.m. this Thursday. A second blood drive will be hosted with Washington County 4-H from 3 to 6 p.m. on December 27th at Dallmeyer Hall on the county fairground. Masks are required for the blood drives. For information on blood donation or to schedule a donation, visit here.