Area blood banks need donations to supply local hospitals
ROCKFORD — Dave Bennett of Rockford, a Rock River Valley Blood Center donor since 1970, has donated more vital platelets at the center than anyone else.
On an 11-page list of donors, posted at the center, Bennett’s name is the very last one, indicating that he has, by far, donated more platelets at the center than anyone else during 950 sittings.
Bennett made his 1,000th donation on Dec. 22, surpassing the next donor by more than 100 donations.
Heidi Ognibene, director of operations at the blood center, said platelets are special cells in our blood that help blood to clot. Platelets are commonly used in surgeries and for cancer patients and trauma victims. The center uses an efficient machine that draws blood, separates the needed components, then returns the blood back to the donor. This platelet donation process yields 5-8 times as many platelets as donated blood.
Scott P. Yates: 815-987-1348; syates@rrstar.com; @scottpyates
How to help
Rock River Valley Blood Center has four donor centers in the area. For information, visit rrvbc.org.
Locations
419 N. Sixth St., Rockford; 815-965-8751
3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford; 815-965-8751
1740 S. State St., Belvidere; 815-965-8751
461 E. South St., Freeport; 815-23-BLOOD