Marion VA Teams up with American Red Cross to Host Quarterly Blood Donations

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The American Red Cross, along with the Marion VA Health Care System, organize Quarterly blood drives at the Marion VA’s main location in Marion, Illinois, to encourage community members to

participate in this noble act.

These blood drives serve as a crucial platform for individuals to contribute towards a cause greater than themselves – offering hope and healing to those facing medical emergencies.

“I’m actually fearful and anxious about donating blood at first, but I know what I’m doing is worth it. I come in scared, but I leave feeling grateful for having donated blood,” shares VA

employee, Leslie Frassato, regular donor.

Regular blood donations play a crucial role in supporting the medical needs of the community and have a profound impact on saving lives. Apart from the immediate benefit of helping those in

need, donating blood also offers significant health benefits to the donors themselves.

One of the key advantages of regular blood donations is that it helps maintain good overall health. When you donate blood, your body replenishes the lost red blood cells, stimulating the

production of fresh and healthy cells. This process helps in reducing the risk of developing certain health conditions such as iron overload, which can lead to various complications.

“I know it isn’t always glorious from the donor’s point of view, but I’m happy to play this role in saving a life. I had the chance to work on the platelet side of things, and I got to see

how many cancer patients we really save. And that’s really heartfelt because we all know someone who has had cancer,” shares Red Cross employee, Brooke Schnepper.

Moreover, regular blood donations have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. By reducing excess iron levels in the body, which are known to contribute to

heart-related ailments, donating blood can help promote cardiovascular health.

By joining us at Marion VA's quarterly events, you become part of a community that understands the importance of giving back. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of

individuals who rely on these vital donations for their survival.

“Give it a try if you haven’t already, the process is actually pretty quick,” shares Leslie Frassato with a smile.

Remember, every donation counts and has the potential to make a significant difference. So why wait? Take action today and donate blood at Marion VA's upcoming events. Your contribution will

truly be life-changing for someone in need.