JOHNSTON, IOWA (July 15, 2026) – August is National Wellness Month, which means it’s time to make self-care a priority and build healthy routines by making a blood donation with LifeServe Blood Center this month.
Each blood donation can impact up to three lives in your community. But did you know that donating blood can also help you stay aware of your own health? Each donation includes a mini health screening, where staff measure your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, and perform tests to check your cholesterol and hemoglobin level. These tests can help catch health issues you might not even know about.
“High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and low hemoglobin could be an early sign of anemia or iron deficiency,” said Dr. Alex Smith, LifeServe Blood Center Medical Director. “In fact, studies have found that a significant number of donors, especially younger, first-time donors, are found to have elevated blood pressure or other health concerns they were previously unaware of.”
If any of your results are outside the normal range, LifeServe will let you know so you can follow up with your own provider. Donors can track their health history and each donation in their LifeServe Donor Portal. In this way, donating blood doesn’t just help someone in need, it also gives you a window into your own health.
This National Wellness Month, start a new healthy habit of donating blood to benefit your health and your community.
• Monroe County Hospital & Clinics on Aug 14, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6580 165th Street, Albia
Schedule your lifesaving appointment by visiting lifeservebloodcenter.org or by calling 800.287.4903. LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to more than 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Illinois. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member, or a stranger on the street. YOU make a difference in YOUR community. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800.287.4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.