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September 24, 2009
Escanaba resident reaches milestone for blood donations
On August 31, 2009, Don Mayville, 54 years old of Escanaba, donated his 120th unit of blood (15 gallons) at the U.P. Regional Blood Center in Escanaba, a service of Marquette General Health System.
Don Mayville
Mayville said the main reason he donates is because his blood helps others in the surrounding community. He also said it’s an added health benefit for himself since he gets a mini physical each time he donates and since giving blood prevents iron overload, which is common in males.
Mayville began donating blood when the U.P. Regional Blood Center would host blood drives at his worksite. He said he currently donates blood at the U.P. Regional Blood Center in Escanaba because it’s very efficient and convenient. “I can call anytime and am able to fit blood donations into my work schedule and it only takes me about 30 minutes to give a unit of blood,” said Mayville.
The U.P. Regional Blood Center is always looking for potential donors. Each year, the Blood Center’s goal is to collect 12,000 units of blood. Just one unit of blood can save the lives of three people.
The Blood Center serves 13 UP hospitals and has five donation sites through the Upper Peninsula in Marquette, Escanaba, Sault Ste. Marie, Hancock and Iron Mountain.
Anyone who’s at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs more than 110 pounds can donate. Regular donations usually take a half hour, while platelet donations can take up to 90 minutes. A technician checks the donor’s blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin level to ensure safety to the donor and blood recipient. After the brief medical screening, the donor lays back and relaxes while a machine does the work.
The Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center in Escanaba is located 2500 7th Ave.
For more information on donating blood or to schedule an appointment, call
(906)-786-8420.
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