Jun 16, 2025 - Health

Prizes offered at blood drive to address shortage

Jason Clayworth

A photo of blood viles. — Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Des Moines metro's largest blood drive of the year is happening on Thursday, with organizers offering prizes to donors and a new option for free cholesterol screening.

Why it matters: As of Friday, about a third of blood centers in the Midwest had only a one-day supply or less as the summer trauma season approaches.

Catch up quick: Blood Donor Day is an annual event aimed at boosting supplies during times when regular donors' appointments often decline due to summer activities like vacations affecting their scheduling, LifeServe Blood Center spokesperson Tim Paluch tells Axios.

State of play: This year's donors will receive a T-shirt and be entered into drawings for gifts, including Americana brunch certificates, Adventureland passes, tickets to the DSM Symphony and a three-day pass to the Hinterland Music Festival.

Cholesterol checks do not require fasting.

If you go: LifeServe's Johnston headquarters, 5625 NW Johnston Drive, has the most availability and can best handle walk-ins, 8am-7pm.

Des Moines, 580 SW 9th St. Suite 112, 10am-6pm
Urbandale, 10469 Hickman Road, 9am-6pm

What's next: Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments online or call 1-800-287-4903.

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Prizes offered at blood drive to address shortage

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