Northwest Iowa — The Community Blood Bank, the sole provider of blood products to both Sanford and Avera facilities in northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota, is on the verge of experiencing a blood shortage.
Ken Versteeg is the Executive Director of the Community Blood Bank, and he says blood donations dropped off during the month of December.
Versteeg says the drop in donations is a problem, since the demand for blood remains constant.
He stressed that the Community Blood Bank is in need of all blood types.
Versteeg says Larchwood area residents will have a chance to donate blood this coming Monday, January 16th, when the bloodmobile visits the Avera Medical Group Larchwood.
Monday’s blood drive in Larchwood will run from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an ID with you. It is recommended that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. It only takes 30 to 35 minutes to donate with Community Blood Bank. For more information call 477-2185. Walk-ins are always welcome. All who donate will receive a special t-shirt to help celebrate the milestone donation event.
