Rock Rapids, IA- Community Blood Bank will host three blood drive events the week of July 27, finishing out the week in Rock Rapids on Wednesday, July 29th.
Wednesday, July 29 at Avera Merrill Pioneer, Rock Rapids, IA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment donors by logging onto www.cbblifeblood.org and click on “events” and select July 29 on the calendar, select Avera Merrill Pioneer.
Currently, local blood supplies are at a critically low status, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an overall decrease in supplies by 50%.
“The only way to increase the blood supply for local patients is through volunteer blood donors to schedule their donation for the upcoming blood drive at the Larchwood and Inwood, IA blood drives,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We are experiencing our lowest blood supply levels in over 20 years. The need for blood is increasing as we see many elective procedures being schedule throughout the area. Support your local blood supply and local heroes by joining us in saving lives in the Larchwood / Inwood area.”
It is safe to donate blood during these times, as Community Blood Bank follows strict guidelines provided by the FDA, CDC and the Association of Blood Banks. With so many businesses either closing temporarily or sending staff to work from home, it has been nearly impossible to find enough organizations able to host a blood drive event. We request the community’s support at this blood drive, as we move into the summer months, and encourage residents to give blood that will directly save lives in the community. All who donate will receive a special event t-shirt.
Donor 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 in addressing COVID-19, only donors with appointments will be accepted at this blood drive event. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.
