Timeline

1947

Ike Smalls' volunteer blood donor referral program supplied four Des Moines area hospitals with blood. The Des Moines Hospital Council saw the growing need for blood products and appointed Smalls as the director of the Polk County Blood Donor Service, otherwise known as the start of LifeServe Blood Center.

1962

The Community Blood Bank of Central Iowa became incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

1963

Community Blood Bank of Central Iowa is formed and started collecting blood from donors rather than just recruiting donors.

1967

The Siouxland Community Blood Bank became incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

1971

Issued at a time when blood donations were not keeping up with demand, this postage stamp was meant to raise awareness of blood donor programs, thus increasing needed donations.

1980

The business changed its name to The Blood Center of Central Iowa and completed the building of the 1.5 million dollar facility at 1050 – 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.

1983

First Blood Donor Day event was held at KCCI studios. It was a 9 hour drive and periodically televised.

1985

Testing of donated blood became mandatory by the FDA. The first HIV test was licensed this year.

1992

Blood Center of Iowa - Purchase of first mobile (bus) Bloodmobile.

1996

Siouxland Community Blood bank- Purchase of first mobile (bus) Bloodmobile.

First full time Medical Director was hired.

2002

Name was changed to The Blood Center of Iowa and moved center of operations to 431 East Loucst St, Des Moines, IA.

2010

The Blood Center of Iowa and Siouxland Community Blood Bank merged to form LifeServe Blood Center.

2020

LifeServe played a critical role in the fight against COVID by collecting and distributing Convalescent Plasma.

2022

November 24, 2022 marks the official 75th Anniversary of LifeServe Blood Center.

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