March 24 Bloodmobile Location Changed
March 24 Bloodmobile Location Changed
Organizers of the Red Cross Bloodmobile event that was scheduled to be at the Milbank High School on Tuesday, March 24, announced that it will be at Emanuel Lutheran Church instead. The hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The goal for the blood drive is 65 units. Appointments will be honored and walk-ins are welcome.
At the present time, there is a severe shortage of blood. The shortage can impact people who have scheduled surgeries, are in accidents and need blood, have anemia or cancer. “That's not something any of us wants for one we love. We just don’t find that kind of inavailability acceptable,” said Margaret Skoog, Bloodmobile coordinator.
Officials say that giving blood at this time is very safe for donors. Kim Jensen, Account Manager II, Donor Recruitment, American Red Cross, said, “We understand that people have concerns right now about all aspects of public health, but want to stress that donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give. Most blood drives are not considered mass gatherings as they don’t involve assemblies of large numbers of people. Blood drives are controlled events with trained staff and appropriate safety measures to protect donors and recipients. It’s important to note that at each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols to help prevent the spread of any type of infection.”
Power Red donors will be glad to know that this drive will be more than 112 days since the November blood drive. Power Red donors who were excluded from the February drive will be eligible to give a double unit at this drive, and again at the July blood drive.
Anyone 17 and older, healthy, and weighing at least 110 pounds is welcome to give blood. Most prescription medications will not defer a donor. Previous cancer patients can be considered for donation. Those individuals should call 1-800-733-2767 to find out if they would qualify.
Students 16 years old can give with a parent's permission; forms will be available at the blood drive for parents to sign with the coordinator.
Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org beginning today, March 18. On the morning of the blood drive, all donors are encouraged to complete the RapidPass at redcrossblood.org.
Anyone with questions can call Skoog at 605-880-0435.
