Community Blood Bank, a joint cooperative of Sanford USD Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD is diligently working to maintain an adequate blood supply for the 36 local hospitals it services. With blood donations on the decrease due to the situation associated with COVID – 19, the need for blood donations is more vital than ever before. Please donate blood at the Sanford Health Rock Rapids Clinic (104 Buncombe Dr.) on Wednesday, April 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. as they host an emergency “pop-up” community blood drive.
According to the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), “Blood centers across the country are experiencing a decrease in donation appointments and cancellation of blood drives due to travel restrictions and social distancing efforts. There is a potential to adversely impact the availability of blood as more blood drives may be cancelled, fewer healthy donors will be available to sustain the blood supply. While we cannot predict blood supply needs during a pandemic, we know that a sufficient supply of blood must remain available to treat patients.”
Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank, states, “Donations continue to fall with many community members avoiding public events including blood donations. We are nearing the lowest blood supply levels we have seen in many years. We are monitoring the situation very closely to ensure we can meet the needs of our patients will immediate needs; however each day is more difficult to avoid shortages.” Versteeg says, “Please join us to provide hope to those in need and support the local supply.”
Community Blood Bank is the sole blood provider to 36 local hospitals including Avera Merrill Pioneer, Avera McKennan Hospital, Sanford Medical Center, Sanford Children’s Hospital, Avera Heart Hospital, Sanford Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls V.A. Medical Center and the Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health. Donors exhibiting cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate. A valid identification is required at the time of registration. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. Walk-ins are always welcomed and encouraged. For additional information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 712-472-6172.
