Sheldon, Iowa — While blood donors have stepped up during the pandemic, the blood reserves remain low. And your chance to help is coming up on Tuesday.
Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank says they have battled throughout the pandemic to maintain a strong blood supply for local patients in need. With a call for 500 units of blood each week to meet the needs of community patients, he says Community Blood Bank is running short of collections most days. Donations are being used at a record pace and many days usage is outpacing collections. Currently, there is a call for those with all blood types to come to donate to help stabilize the local blood supply.
KIWA Radio, the Sheldon Chamber and Development, and Community Blood Bank will partner up to host the annual All American community blood drive on Tuesday, June 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at KIWA Radio. Donors are encouraged to give blood to support the needs of local patients.
To schedule an appointment donors can CLICK HERE
Versteeg tells us that the combination of summer and the pandemic is weighing heavy on the community’s blood supply. He says that with a forecasted increase in travel as much as 60% and the pressures associated with the pandemic still limiting blood collection, they are asking donors to help fill the donation schedule at this blood drive event on June 15. He says, “The only way to gain any ground is for businesses and volunteers to step up to help. Through community support, we can save local lives together.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with a signed parent consent form, weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation.
Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.
