Des Moines, Iowa; May 10, 2023 - Working as ONE, MercyOne Air Med is hosting its annual blood drive to all three service regions in May. “Answering the Call to Save Lives” is Friday, May 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Des Moines, Mason City and Sioux City. MercyOne Air Med is partnering with LifeServe Blood Center, Iowa’s largest nonprofit blood center, and Air Methods, provider of MercyOne Air Med helicopters and pilots.

Blood products are crucial to hospitals and EMS systems. When MercyOne Air Med helicopters launch on potential lifesaving missions, units of blood are on board. Recently, heavier seasonal blood needs and the COVID-19 pandemic tightened available blood supplies.

On May 12, LifeServe bloodmobiles will accept blood donations at MercyOne helipads in Central and Western Iowa, and donations in North Iowa will be at the LifeServe donation center. Potential donors can sign up online for a time, meet the flight team and tour the helicopter.

Food trucks vendors Hot off the Presses, The Traveling Bean, Co., Omar's Gyro and Tacos Way will be available for donors to grab a bite after making a donation at 1111 Sixth Ave. All donors will receive an event t-shirt and special prizes will be given. View all blood drive details here.