Community blood centers, like LifeServe Blood Center, collect approximately 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply. Annually, it takes thousands of generous volunteer donors to support local hospital patients through blood donation. Unfortunately, of the total U.S. population, 62 percent are eligible to donate, but only 3 percent donate blood each year. Often, people assume they are ineligible to donate blood because there are multiple myths surrounding blood donation.

For example:

MYTH: I can’t donate blood because I’m on medication.

FACT: Most medications do not disqualify you from donating.

MYTH: Diabetics on insulin cannot donate blood.

FACT: Diabetics on insulin can donate blood if their condition is well-managed.

MYTH: I have a tattoo, so I can’t donate blood.

FACT: You can donate blood if your tattoo was done at a state-regulated tattoo shop.

Let us help you determine if you can donate blood. Together, we can truly make a lifesaving impact here locally, in our community.

Blood drives are scheduled at the following locations and dates:

Gowrie Community blood drive, Aug. 7 from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at 1201 Market St., Gowrie.

Decker Truck Line, Inc. blood drive, Aug. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 4000 Fifth Ave. S., Fort Dodge.

Trinity Regional Medical Center blood drive, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 802 Kenyon Road, Fort Dodge.

Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or by calling 800-287-4903.