BROOKINGS – Community Blood Bank has battled throughout the pandemic to maintain a strong blood supply for local patients in need. 

With policies related to social distancing, limiting the number of donations at drive sites, businesses unable to host blood drive events, employees working from home, and public fear to go out for blood donation functions, the community’s blood supply has been drastically impacted. 

A local blood drive set for Tuesday aims to help boost the supply.

Community Blood Bank and St. Thomas More Catholic Church will partner up to host a community blood drive from 7-10:30 a.m. and noon-2:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Thomas More, 1700 Eighth St. S. Donors are encouraged to give blood to support the needs of local patients. 

To schedule an appointment, donors can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org, click on “events” and select May 11 and “St. Thomas More” from the calendar or call 605-692-4361. 

Community Blood Bank has experienced over 500 canceled blood drive events, equating to over 12,000 blood donations, during the pandemic. Creative processes and support from multiple community businesses and organizations has greatly improved the situation. 

With a call for 500 units of blood each week to meet the needs of community patients, Community Blood Bank is running short of collections most days. Donations are being used at a record pace, and many days, usage is outpacing collections.

 “We need to keep the blood supply as strong as possible as we move through the pandemic,” Community Blood Bank Program Coordinator Lauri Hoffmann said. “The need for blood is immediate and constant. We are currently at critical needs status. The only way to gain any ground is for businesses and volunteers to step up to help.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Donors should bring an ID with them at the time of donation.