Community Blood Bank is launching an urgent appeal for blood donations to ensure local patients receive the lifesaving care they need. While seasonal activities and travel plans increase during the warmer months, blood donations typically decline, creating potential shortages for area hospitals.
Murray County Central High School and Murray County Medical Center will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, April 22. Murray County Central High School will host the blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Murray County Medical Center will hold the blood drive from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donors can schedule a donation appointment by logging onto cbblifeblood.org, selecting “events”, and then choose April 22 from the calendar or call 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. All those who donate will receive a $15 Subway gift card as a thank you gift.
When donors give blood with Community Blood Bank, their donation stays local, directly supporting patients in their own community. This local connection ensures that each dona-tion has maximum impact on neighbors, friends, and family members who may need transfusions.
“Spring brings a renewed sense of hope, but it also presents unique challenges for our blood supply,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “As our community members become busier with outdoor activities and travel, we often see a decline in donations. The need for blood remains constant year-round, with donations supporting everything from emergency trauma care to ongoing treatments for cancer and chronic illnesses. All blood types are needed.”
Donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year old consent form found at cbblifeblood. org), weigh 110 lbs. or more, and be in good general health. Please bring an I.D. with you. It is recommended to eat and drink fluid prior to donating. Please avoid caffeinated drinks until after your donation. Community Blood Bank is the sole blood provider to Murray County Medical Center and 42 other local area hospitals.
