Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Community Blood Bank Board of Directors, Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford USD Medical Center declare a critical shortage of blood for the Sioux Falls area.
Due to increasing demands on the need for blood and the decreases in collections associated with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Blood Bank has moved into a critical shortage status. Currently, local blood supplies are seriously low with an overall decrease in supplies between 40 – 50%.
“Simply put, we need donors to make an impact in the local blood supply for local patients,” 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 scheduled throughout the area. Support your local blood supply by joining us and schedule a blood donation appointment online at www.cbblifeblood.org. Donating blood is a safe and essential action that can be done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Blood Bank follows strict guidelines provided by the FDA, CDC and the Association of Blood Banks to provide a safe, socially distanced and clean environment for donors.”
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 fluids prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, only donors with appointments will be accepted. To schedule an appointment, donors may log onto www.cbblifeblood.org and select “register to donate” and click on either Sanford Medical Center or Avera McKennan Hospital, or to schedule a mobile blood drive appointment click on “events”. For donation questions please call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org.
Blood Drive Opportunities
Thursday, August 13- Great Life @ Willow Run (8000 E. Arrowhead Pkwy.), Sioux Falls, SD from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: To schedule your appointment today call 605-941-6464.
Wednesday, August 19- Pipestone County Medical Center (note location: 822 4th Ave. SW), Pipestone, MN from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/pipestoneheroesblooddrive
Thursday, August 20- Hy-Vee (37th St. & Minnesota Ave.), Sioux Falls, SD from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/hyveeminnestotaave
Friday, August 21- Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (6401 S. Minnesota Ave.), Sioux Falls, SD from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/siouxlandoralsurgeryblooddrive
Friday, August 21- Take 16 Brewing Co. (509 East Main), Luverne, MN from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/take16blooddrive
(The Community Blood Bank contributed this report/news release.)
