Will you give to fill this urgent need?

• Blood drive July 26 & 27

Jerry Matteson is urging River Falls area residents to show up for an upcoming local blood drive. Matteson practices what he preaches. The board he holds has rows of individual pins that, for the most part, each represent a gallon of blood he’s donated over the decades. Phil Pfuehler photo

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Extreme heat? Early summer vacations? That shouldn’t make a difference.

Jerry Matteson says no one seems to know why, but the nation’s blood supply tanked last month.

“It came up 50,000 pints short of what was predicted for June, and that resulted in a big draw down of reserves,” said Matteson, a retired UW-River Falls College of Agriculture assistant dean and professor who now serves as program director for the local American Legion’s blood drives.

“This is serious, and everyone should be aware of the situation because it could impact people in River Falls who need blood in the future if we don’t see the supply return to normal,” Matteson said. “It’s in our best interests to give blood so that we can overcome the shortage.”

Because of the sudden shortage, Matteson said that the upcoming blood drive at American Legion Hall, 701 N. Main St., will be a two-day affair -- instead of the usual one day.

The Legion’s two-day blood drive will be held from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 27.

Use the Legion building’s east door to enter. The giving blood procedure takes about a half hour. Donors typically give a pint.

While walk-in donors are accepted, Matteson said he prefers people to call him for an appointment. That way he can better plan to manage the turnout.

Matteson can be reached at home for an appointment at 715-426-5521 or by email at gmatteson@comcast.net.

Donors under age 17 need parental consent to give blood. All donors also need to be healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds.

The River Falls American Legion holds three blood drives a year -- in March, November and July. Matteson said such drives often collect at least 100 pints.

This time, with the two days of donating and the urgent need for blood, Matteson is hoping to greatly exceed past collections.

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