Sheldon, Iowa — The need for blood is always great. But in the past several months, blood banks have struggled to get enough to meet demand. Your chance to help out is coming up this week in front of the KIWA studios in downtown Sheldon.
Ken VerSteeg, the executive director of the Community Blood Bank tells us that your participation is critical at this time.
(As said:) “I cannot stress the importance of people coming out and donating blood enough. COVID has actually reduced our overall collection by 50%. Part of that is due to the fact that we are not able to take as many blood donors during the COVID crisis because we want to social distance. We want to disinfect in between each blood donor. We have to follow certain procedures, and in order for us to do that we can only take so many donors an hour.”
VerSteeg says giving blood has always been a safe process. But they’re paying even more attention to sanitization procedures.
The Community Blood Bank and KIWA Radio are teaming up to host a “Life of the Party” Blood Drive this Thursday, September 10th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 – 5:00 pm at KIWA Radio, located at 411 9th Street in Sheldon. Each donor will get a “Life of the Party” t-shirt.
Ver Steeg tells us that all blood types are in immediate need, and that all blood donors must have an appointment to donate, due to policies associated with COVID-19.
He tells us that the blood that is donated with Community Blood Bank is from your friends and neighbors in this region. He says they are grateful for the opportunity to serve Sheldon area patients and he encourages the community to donate on the bloodmobile when it visits Sheldon on Thursday. Again, no walk-ins will be accepted. You have to sign up. And at last report, there were still appointments available.
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center’s blood needs are supplied by Community Blood Bank. Community Blood Bank has been the sole provider of blood and blood products for Sanford Sheldon Medical Center for over 17 years.
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 click on the direct signup link below.
