SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Community Blood Bank calls for donors with A (positive) blood typing to consider donating blood and support a near-critical shortage with this blood type. With a continued surge in surgeries and traumas, the need for all blood types continues.
“The type A (positive) is one of the most used blood types. With an average of 32% of the population having this blood type, we are using a large number of units on a daily basis,” says Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We are at the cusp of going into a full critical shortage for A (pos). This shortage could force elective surgeries to be postponed for the short term. It is imperative that we keep our blood supply strong for all blood types.”
According to America’s Blood Center, “We cannot wait for the situation to intensify further before taking action. The blood supply cannot be taken for granted and the coronavirus only heightens the need for a ready blood supply. The lives of patients depend on blood donors. It is vital that if you are healthy and eligible to give blood that you visit your local blood center and donate, and that organizations continue to host blood drives. Blood donors are needed now more than ever.”
Join is this week to support the blood supply for our community, by scheduling a blood donation at one of the following blood drives:
Monday, February 1: Pipestone Area High School, (1401 7th St. SW), Pipestone, MN from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 2: Murray County Medical Center, (2042 Juniper), Slayton MN from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/SlaytonCommunity
Wednesday, February 3: Sanford Clear Lake, (701 3rd Ave. S.), Clear Lake, SD from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/blooddrivesanfordsheldon
Thursday, February 4: Worthington Fire Station, (830 2nd Ave.), Worthington, MN from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/blooddriveworthington
Friday, February 5: GreatLife (3105 S. Sertoma Ave.), Sioux Falls, SD from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CLICK THE LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/GreatLife41stBloodDrive
Avera McKennan Donor Room (Avera McKennan Plaza 2, 1301 S. Cliff Ave., 4th floor, donor parking by valet area) Sioux Falls, SD: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PLEASE CALL 605-322-7111 OR CLICK ON THE LINK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: http://cbblifeblood.org/donate/donation-locations/
Sanford USD Medical Center Donor Room (1305 W. 18th St. / Main Hospital Locken Lobby, Donors are to use valet parking), Sioux Falls, SD: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PLEASE CALL 605-333-6444 OR CLICK ON THE LINK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: http://cbblifeblood.org/donate/donation-locations/
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 fluids prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, only donors with appointments will be accepted. To schedule your appointment donors can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org
(The Sioux Falls Community Blood Bank contributed this report/news release.)