While the health of Iowans is a top concern as novel coronavirus 2019 spreads in the state, the need for blood donations looms now more than ever.

LifeServe Blood Center, along with the Food and Drug Administration and other national partners, is urging donors to turn out in force to give blood. A blood drive scheduled in Bayard this Wednesday has been cancelled, but you can still donate at one of LifeServe Blood Center’s donor center locations. Across different blood centers, 4,000 blood drives have been cancelled due to concerns regarding COVID-19, resulting in about 130,000 fewer blood donations. U.S. Assistant Health Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says it is safe to donate blood, and part of preparedness in national emergencies such as the current pandemic includes having a robust blood supply. For information on where you can donate, visit here.