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, including Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley. As COVID – 19 is keep residents home, schools closed and businesses sending their employees to work from home, the need for blood donations is more vital than ever before.

Join us to give blood at Hegg Health Center, Rock Valley on Tuesday, May 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to support the local blood supply during COVID-19.

All blood donors must have an appointment to donate, due to policies associated with COVID-19.

Donors schedule an appointment by logging onto cbblifeblood.org and click on “events” then click on May 26.

According to the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the blood community applauds those individuals who have selflessly responded to the call for blood donations during this time. Since blood has a limited shelf life, the need for blood donors always exists. The need for blood donations from individual volunteers will remain throughout the pandemic to continually replenish the blood supply and ensure availability for patients in need. The U.S. blood supply faces an unprecedented situation with a multitude of blood drives canceled as organizations and businesses temporary close. It is important to emphasize that the need for blood remains during the pandemic and countless patients across the nation will continue to rely on blood donors to help provide a life-saving component of their health care.”

“It is extremely important to continue to keep blood supplies for the community at safe levels,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “With so many businesses either closing temporarily or sending staff to work from home, it has been difficult to even find enough organizations able to host a blood drive event. We request the community’s support at this blood drive and give blood to directly save lives in the Rock Valley community.”

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.  With policies associated with addressing COVID-19, donors with appointments will only be accepted at these blood drive events.  To schedule an appointment donor can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org and clicking on “events” then select Hegg Health Center and click the appointment link or call 712-476-8020.