Dell Rapids, SD – Avera Dells Area Hospital and Community Blood Bank are coming together to secure the blood supply for the community by hosting a blood drive on Thursday, October 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Avera Dells Area Hospital (909 North Iowa Ave., Dell Rapids). Donors can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org and select “events”, October 7 and Avera Dells Area Hospital or call 605-331-3222, Walk-ins are welcome.
“Blood donations continue to be severely affected by COVID-19 throughout the last 1 ½ years. Our blood supply is once again at critical levels and we are seeing more organizations unable to host blood drives due to the rise in COVID cases, said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We need blood donations now and hope to build up a supply level that can be relied upon to treat local patients with cancer, blood disorders, undergoing emergency surgeries and many other serious medical condition. Donating blood on the bloodmobile is a safe process and only takes 30 minutes to save up to three local lives. If you have never donating blood or new to the community, we invite you to join Community Blood Bank to impact our community patients by scheduling your donation at this event. All blood donations will be used locally to save the lives of local patients in need.”
Community Blood Bank was founded by Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital in 1976 to be the sole blood provider to local area hospitals. Community Blood Bank is the sole blood provider to Avera Dells Area Hospital. When you give blood on the bloodmobile you will directly save local lives in your community.
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 fluid prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that all donors schedule appointments / walk-ins will be accepted. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.