Sheldon, Iowa — The need for blood is great — as usual. Experts tell us that in the winter, the need is great because people don’t make it to the blood bank or bloodmobile due to the weather. In the summer, the need is great because the more people that are are out and about, the greater the risk for trauma, and the busier we are, the less we think about giving blood.
Ken Ver Steeg of the Community Blood Bank says they are hosting an All-American community blood drive this Tuesday, June 21. He says it will run from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Community Services Building in Sheldon.
Ver Steeg says blood supplies are short.
He says that you can schedule an appointment if that helps you fit your donation into your schedule, but you can also just walk in. He says most donors are able to complete the whole donation experience in a half hour to 45 minutes. To schedule an appointment or for more information you can call the Sheldon Chamber and Development office at 324-2813.
Ver Steeg says you do have to be at least 17 years of age or 16 years old with signed parent consent form, available at cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 lbs. or more, and be in good general health the day of the blood drive. You are asked to bring a form of I.D. with you and eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood.
He says donors will not only receive a unique collectible tee shirt, but also a free lunch.
He reminds people that Sanford Sheldon blood needs are supplied by Community Blood Bank, and that they have been the sole provider of blood and blood product for Sanford Sheldon for nearly 17 years. He also says the Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with any other blood bank organization.
