Central Iowa low on blood supply. Here's how to donate.

Our emergency blood supply in central Iowa is low, Danielle West, a spokesperson for LifeServe, told Axios Monday.

• The blood center has less than half of the desired three- to five-day supply. (It serves more than 120 Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota hospitals.)

Why it matters: The supply saves lives.

• Increasing supplies now is particularly important as we head into the summer months, which is when demand often spikes.

The big picture: Nearly 2,700 blood drives have been canceled over the last year due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in tens of thousands of fewer donations, according to the American Red Cross.

• All but one of the Midwest region's 19 community blood centers have less than a three-day supply, according to tracking posted yesterday by America's Blood Centers.
• Four (21%) have a day or less of supply, which is almost twice the national rate.

Take action: People may go online to schedule a donation at dozens of donor centers or mobile drives scheduled in central Iowa in the next month.

• Or call: 800-287-4903

One opportunity: LifeServe's mobile buses will be located at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center's parking lot (near the helipad) downtown, 1111 6th Ave from 9am-4pm Friday.

Of note: People who recently got the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to give blood.