Sioux Falls, SD- KELO FM Radio, Avera McKennan Fitness Center, and Community Blood Bank will host “Give from the Heart” blood drive event on Friday, February 10 from 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Avera McKennan Fitness Center (3400 S. Southeastern Ave). The public will have an opportunity to donate blood to help local patients in the hospital during the Valentine’s Day weekend. Donors may schedule an appointment by log onto www.cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and choosing February 10 “Give from the Heart” or call 605-331-3222.
According to AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), “Months-long shortage of blood continues in the United States with no immediate relief in sight. There is low availability of A and O positive red blood cells; however, the demand for other blood types exceeds availability. Reasons for the high demand include weather related issues, cold and flu season, as well as a spike in COVID, which affects many of the country’s workplace collection drives and mobile donation sites, resulting in low-yield or canceled events.”
“The Community Blood Bank supplies over 550 units of blood each week to people in the Sioux Falls region. Among those who benefit from donated blood are trauma and burn victims, cancer patients and persons undergoing surgery. The need for blood donation in the winter increases as the cold and flu season prevent donors from being able to give as frequently,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We are concerned about the additional critical shortages that may happen in our area as we continue to see multiple blood drive cancelations due to weather resulting in collection losses. Consider giving someone life by scheduling a time to donate blood to Community Blood Bank at the “Give from the Heart” blood drive event.”
All those donating blood will receive a 3 day pass visitor’s pass to the Avera McKennan Fitness Center, a pint certificate for D.Q. ice cream, $10 Hy-Vee gift card, and an event t-shirt. Join in this special blood donation opportunity with KELO FM, as we provide blood to the community’s patients in need.
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an I.D. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. For more information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call Community Blood Bank at (605) 331-3222. Community Blood Banks is a nonprofit, cooperative of Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital and the sole blood provider to the Sioux Empire. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.
