BROOKINGS – Brookings Police and Fire departments will partner up to save lives at a special community blood drive held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Brookings Hy-Vee, 790 22nd Ave. S.
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BROOKINGS – Brookings Police and Fire departments will partner up to save lives at a special community blood drive held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Brookings Hy-Vee, 790 22nd Ave. S.
The departments will compete in the Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most blood donors to boost the summer blood supply for Brookings Health System. All donors will receive a special T-shirt and a free lunch, compliments of Brookings Hy-Vee.
The public is encouraged to come donate and designate their donation to the department of their choice. The department credited with the most blood donations will receive a trophy and bragging rights for a year.
“As we move through the summer, we have experienced extremely strong usage due to multiple traumas, surgeries and many patients being treated for cancer. This is the most difficult year within the past five years to keep up with the demand for blood,” said Ken Versteeg, executive director of Community Blood Bank.
“There have been many weeks where our usage is outpacing collection by 25%. Our hope is to see a great turnout at the Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive in Brookings to help fight summer blood shortages,” Versteeg added. “All blood types are needed, and new donors encouraged to give. Join us to save lives within the community and show your support for those who serve and impact the community in many ways.”
Community Blood Bank supplies over 550 units of blood each week to people in the region. Among those who benefit from donated blood are trauma and burn victims, cancer patients and persons undergoing surgery. Donating blood is a simple way to save patients’ lives in the community.
Without volunteer blood donors donating blood throughout the summer, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain an adequate supply of blood for community hospitals.
Donors 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 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 877-877-3070. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.
