Friday, May 22- 9AM to 5PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dakota News Now and Scheels to Host Annual “Lend an Arm” Blood Drive Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
Event to Support Local Blood Supply During High-Demand Holiday
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Dakota News Now, Scheels, and Community Blood Bank are teaming up once again for the annual “Lend an Arm” blood drive, taking place Friday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Scheels (41st St. & Western Ave.) in Sioux Falls.
The event is timed deliberately ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, a period when demand for blood historically rises between 10 and 18% as travel and outdoor activity increases across the region.
“Donating blood takes just 30 minutes and can save up to three lives,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “With our community experiencing significant growth and increased demand for medical services, it’s critical that we head into this first summer holiday with a strong local supply. Volunteers are the cornerstone of that supply, and of the broader medical community.
Versteeg, continues, “Preparing for the holiday weekend, from the blood bank perspective, involves partnering with community sponsors such as Scheels and Dakota News Now; encouraging volunteers to roll – up their sleeve to keep our blood supply strong. We do not know what to expect as far as the number of donations needed, but we plan for the worst and hope for the best. This takes volunteers coming forward, willing to help when called upon, and Sioux Falls residents make sure the need is met.”
Every donor will receive an event t-shirt, a pair of movie tickets, and a $15 Scheels gift card as thank-you gifts for their contribution.
Eligibility Requirements
Donors must meet the following criteria to participate:
• At least 17 years old (16 with a signed parental consent form)
• Weigh 110 pounds or more
• Be in good general health
• Free of cold or flu symptoms on the day of donation
• Present a valid photo ID at registration
Donors are encouraged to eat a meal and drink plenty of fluids before arriving. Appointments are recommended by logging into www.cbblifeblood.org, selecting “Donate Now,” “Blood Drive Calendar,” and “May 22nd. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors will appointments will be given priority. Appointments can also be made by calling 605-331-3222.
Community Blood Bank is a nonprofit cooperative of Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital, and the sole blood provider to the Sioux Empire. It is not affiliated with any other blood bank organizations. The only way to strengthen our community’s blood supply is by donating blood with Community Blood Bank.
