BVU Hosting Blood Drive to Aid Hurricane Harvey Relief

STORM LAKE, IA (09/07/2017) (readMedia)-- In an effort to replenish supplies at blood centers affected by Hurricane Harvey, Buena Vista University (BVU) will hold a community blood drive in partnership with LifeServe Blood Center on Monday, Sept. 11 and Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The event will take place in Forum Room 6 on the BVU campus.

The increased need for blood donations in Texas and Louisiana has prompted BVU to do everything possible to help ensure a sufficient blood supply in hurricane-impacted areas.

"Due to the demand, we are working really hard to get more donations and for the first time ever are opening it to the community," said Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, assistant dean for student life and director of civic engagement.

BVU's student organization, Team Wellness, is hosting the event, while members of Student MOVE (Mobilizing Outreach & Volunteer Efforts) are helping to recruit donors and volunteers.

"Donating blood is important year round, but especially in the event of a natural disaster," added Farmer-Hanson. "This is one way that BVU can show hurricane victims that we care."

While all donations are encouraged, individuals with type O blood are critically important, according to the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. Type O positive donors are needed more frequently than any other blood type, while type O negative blood can be safely transfused to most patients with other blood types.

The blood drive is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome. Individuals can also schedule their blood donation appointment ahead of time at www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or by calling 800.287.4903. In addition to the blood drive, there will be a donation container at the event for those who would wish to make a donation to the Houston Food Bank.

For more information about the blood drive, contact Farmer-Hanson at farmer@bvu.edu, or Tami Laursen, director of health services & wellness, at laursent@bvu.edu.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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