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OTTUMWA,IOWA -- Ottumwa hosted its 11th annual River of Life Blood Drive today.

The blood drive was sponsored by the media of Ottumwa. It helps replenish the inventory levels after the holiday season, when the donation rates usually tend to decline.

There was a stead turnout throughout the day all the way until 6 p.m. when the drive ended.

Donor Relations Consultant Ashley Steele says blood donation can make a big difference and that its something everyone should do.

"There's a real world impact to this. Your helping a patient in the hospital that cant be helped in any other way. Blood donation is a good thing. I encourage everyone to at least try once in their life."

Steele says many units of blood were donated at the drive. If you would like to donate blood, visit www.bloodcenter.org. You can also call 800-452-1097 to find mobile blood drives around southeast Iowa or make an appointment at the donor center.