About Us

Community Blood Bank (CBB) is a nonprofit cooperative of Sanford USD Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, both of Sioux Falls, SD The organization provides blood products including red cells, plasma and platelets to 43 area hospitals in a 150-mile radius around Sioux Falls.

In March, 1972, the board of directors of the CBB held its first-ever meeting and established the partnership between itself and Sioux Falls’ two largest hospitals. With a focus on community improvement, the relationship continues today. CBB continues to serve as the sole provider of blood and blood products for many hospitals within its region.

With an estimated collection requirement of 550 units per week, CBB remains ready to meet the needs of our community. It is not affiliated with any other blood bank organization, and CBB takes pride in its self-sufficient operations. CBB staff offer special thanks to local blood donors and partners for their ongoing generosity.

Our Mission

Community Blood Bank strives to ensure a safe, adequate, and cost-effective blood supply for our patients. We inspire community members to volunteer and donate blood, aiming to be the premier choice for those looking to make a life-saving contribution.

Our Objectives

Community Blood Bank’s main objective is to embrace the communities that we service, through the building of relationships, education of youth and first-time donors, and by inspiring individuals to donate blood for their community. CBB will fulfill today’s blood needs, as well as lay a foundation for tomorrow’s demands.

Our Values

Community Blood Bank provides quality services to our community partners, blood donors, and regional health care facilities, making our organization a top choice in the region when people think about impacting lives through blood donation. We focus on the overall donation experience, providing a timely, friendly, and convenient way to improve the lives of our community patients.

Community Blood Bank Board of Directors

Executive Director

Community Blood Bank

Board Co-Chair

Medical Director, Avera McKennan Hospital 

Mary James, MD

Board Co-Chair

Ryan Askeland, MD

Medical Director, Sanford USD Medical Center

Thomas Johnson

VP, Avera McKennan Hospital, Hospital Pharmacy & Laboratory Services

Taryn Smith

Director, Sanford USD Medical Center Laboratory Services

Dana Heidebrink

VP, Operations, Sanford USD Medical Center

Operations Manager, Laboratory, Avera McKennan Hospital

Alexis Crisp

Blood Bank Supervisor, Avera McKennan Hospital

Blood Bank Manager, Sanford USD Medical Center

Cities We Supply

South Dakota

Aberdeen
Brookings
Canton
Chamberlain
Clear Lake
Dell Rapids
Flandreau
Madison
Sioux Falls
Vermillion
Viborg
Watertown
Webster

Minnesota

Bemidji
Canby
Hendricks
Jackson
Luverne
Pipestone
Slayton
Tracy
Tyler
Westbrook
Windom
Worthington

Iowa

Estherville
Rock Rapids
Rock Valley
Sheldon
Sibley

Licenses, Permits, Certifications and Memberships

  • Certified with the College of American Pathologists (CAP)
  • Membership with the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)
  • Membership with America’s Blood Centers (ABC)
  • Membership with the Association for Blood Donor Professionals (ADRP)