Resolve to give blood in January for National Blood Donor Month

Dec. 15, 2015 - This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college, but the importance of giving blood hit home when several family members had medical emergencies. "It only takes once sitting in a hospital, praying that your loved one will live through the day, to know how thankful you are for every single thing done to help them," she said. "Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero."

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

1/14/2016: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., LyondellBasell Clinton, 3400 Anamosa Road

Henry County, Illinois

Cambridge

1/14/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St.

Colona

1/5/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., St Patrick's Church, 201 First St.

Galva

1/5/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W.  Second Ave.

Geneseo

1/7/2016: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 318 N. Center St.

Kewanee

1/13/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

Lee County, Illinois

Dixon

1/12/2016: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

Mercer County, Illinois

Alexis

1/12/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave.

Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

1/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

Rock Falls

1/6/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

1/10/2016: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave.

1/13/2016: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

Tampico

1/14/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave,

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

State Revolving Fund Assists Cities with Moving Water Quality Projects Forward

Des Moines - Fifteen Iowa cities will benefit from a combined total of more than $9.1 million in low-cost water quality loans through the State Revolving Fund. State Revolving Fund Construction Loans are a low-cost construction financing option available for Iowa cities and municipalities for water quality initiatives. Planning & Design Loans are zero percent loans that assist with the first-phase of project expenses. The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources jointly administer the State Revolving Fund in Iowa.

"The State Revolving Fund provided low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure improvements benefiting one million Iowans in last fiscal year alone." said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison. "The fifteen Iowa cities that most recently received low-cost financing join more than 500 other Iowa cities in recognizing the State Revolving Fund as their best choice for financing of their water quality initiatives."

"Quality water is fundamental to protecting Iowans' health as well as Iowa's natural resources," said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp. "The State Revolving Fund is an important resource for Iowa communities as they face a wide-array of water quality improvement needs."

The State Revolving Fund has awarded Iowa communities and municipalities more than $2.5 billion in Construction Loans and $130 million through Planning & Design Loans since the program's inception.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides annual capitalization grants to states. Leveraged bonds and loan repayments expand the reach of the federal investment. More than $3.00 in assistance has been leveraged for Iowa water quality projects for every $1.00 of federal funds.

More information is available at IowaSRF.com.

The Iowa Legislature created The Iowa Finance Authority in 1975 to undertake programs to assist in the attainment of low- and moderate-income Iowans. IFA also administers the State Revolving Fund (SRF) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The SRF assists communities with the costs of upgrading or constructing local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects.

Recent Loan Recipients:

CONWAY 28528, SC (12/14/2015)-- Marcus Gillmor, of Bettendorf, IA, was one of 592 candidates for graduation at Coastal Carolina University at ceremonies on Dec. 11 and 12 at the HTC Center. South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman was the speaker and received an honorary degree, Doctor of Public Service. She advised the Class of 2015 not to forget their roots as they go forward in their lives and careers.

"Your journey in life may never take you back there to live again," said Spearman, "but you need to do what you can to support and uplift the people who have made you what you are today. Don't forget them. So whether you become a teacher, a scientist, a CEO of a company, a health care professional -- in later years when you are reminiscing, the relationships you had with the people along the way will be what matters the most."

Gillmor graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in management

Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C. The University offers 70 areas of study toward the baccalaureate degree, and 17 master's degree programs, plus two educational specialist degrees. The University began offering its first doctoral program - the Ph.D. in marine science: coastal and marine systems science - in Fall 2014. View the full list of Academic Programs.

More than 10,000 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.

Coastal Carolina University was founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College and became an independent state university in 1993.

Learn more: http://www.coastal.edu/