BROOKINGS — Brookings Health System and Community Blood Bank come together to host a community blood drive on Aug. 13 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Brookings Health System. Schedule your donation by calling 605-696-8048. Those donating receive a $10 Hy-Vee gift card as a thank you gift. For information, log onto www.cbblifeblood.org.

“Summer is an unpredictable time when it comes to blood usage. With so many summer activities going on, people taking summer vacation and traveling more, and an increase potential for traumas to occur, blood supplies can be depleted very quickly based upon the situation,” said Ken Versteeg, executive director, Community Blood Bank. “It only takes 30 minutes to provide life to three patients in the local area. We are asking donors to take the time to ensure we avoid a summer blood shortage by giving blood at the community blood drive August 13 at Brookings Health System.

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 605-331-3222. Community Blood Banks is a nonprofit, cooperative of Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital and is the sole blood provider to Brookings Health System. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.