Garretson, SD- Community Blood Bank and Garretson High School FFA will host a community blood drive event on Wednesday, February 28 between 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with donor registration located inside the Ag Building. The public will have an opportunity to donate blood to help local patients in the hospital as we finish off the winter season. Donors can schedule an appointment by logging onto www.cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and choosing February 28 and “Garretson High School” or call 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. A person can donate blood every 56 days. Those donating blood receive a $10 Subway gift card as a thank you.
“With a strong cold and flu season occurring, we have had difficulties maintaining a stable blood supply,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “Those people experiencing cold or flu systems are unable to donate which removes several blood donors in our donor pool at each event we host. We encourage those that are feeling well and healthy to step up and support the community’s blood supply. The process only takes 30 minutes but the actions could provide a life-time of happiness. Among those who benefit from donated blood are trauma, burn victims, cancer patients, and persons undergoing surgery. We urge community members to consider donating blood at this blood drive on February 28, and assist in strengthening local supplies for the Garretson community.”
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 all of the Sioux Falls areas. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.
