The University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center has kicked off a year-long campaign to encourage the donation of blood and platelets that help save the lives of patients being treated at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

The “Live Here, Give Here” campaign is aimed at emphasizing that all blood products collected by the UI DeGowin Blood Center are used to care for patients at UI Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Approximately 24,000 blood products are transfused each year at the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center.

People who are likely to need a transfusion include patients diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell anemia, have traumatic injuries following an accident, or received major surgery, such as a transplant. They also help the littlest and most fragile patients, premature infants.

The UI DeGowin Blood Center urges eligible donors to make an appointment at the blood center in the hospital or at a community blood drive.

Generally, anyone can donate blood if they:

• Are at least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have been symptom free of colds and flu for five days
• Pass a brief mini-physical and medical history inquiry

To schedule an appointment, visit www.uihealthcare.org/bloodcenter or call 319-356-2058.