BROOKINGS — The Brookings Fire Department and area law enforcement agencies are once again joining forces to help improve the overall blood supply in Brookings by hosting their annual blood drive event. The blood drive will be Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Brooking Hy-Vee, 790 22nd Ave. S.

Blood donor registration will be located inside the main doors of Hy-Vee. Donors can schedule a donation by logging onto www.cbblifeblood.org and selecting “events,” August 21, and Brooking Hy-Vee or by calling 605-331-3222. All who donate will receive a $10 Hy-Vee gift card, and an All American blood donor T-shirt as a thank you gift.

The event is a friendly competition between the Brookings law enforcement and the Brookings Fire Department encouraging residents to come out to give blood and show support to the community’s heroes. Donors will be able to cast their donation vote towards the department of their choice and the winning department receives bragging rights for the year, as well as a traveling trophy. Blood donations will benefit the local blood supply and patients’ of Brookings Health System.

“The summer months have been very challenging to keep up with the demand for blood. We have experienced multiple blood shortages and we are currently in great need for blood donations,” Ken Versteeg, executive director of Community Blood Bank, said. “There have been 18% less donations this summer and our usage continues to be on the increase. It’s extremely important to have help from local volunteers to keep the blood supply strong. We are asking for Brookings area residents to consider donating blood. It’s a fun competition that provides hope for local patients as an end result. With just one donation, you can save up to three lives and it only takes 30 minutes.”

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. 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 fluids prior to donating blood. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 605-331-3222.