Garretson Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive

            Garretson, SD – Garretson Fire Department and Community Blood Bank will host an All American community blood drive Saturday, June 17 at the Fire Station (613 3rd St., Garretson) between 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public will have an opportunity to donate blood to help local patients in need. Donors can schedule an appointment by logging onto www.cbblifeblood.org, selecting “events”, June 17th and Garretson Fire Department or call 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. All who donate receives a McDonald’s gift card and an All American blood donor t-shirt, as a thank you.

            “Moving into summer, we begin to think about traveling on road and water ways. With heavier traffic on our lakes and roads, accidents happen. We are looking for donors to consider donating blood to strengthen the local blood supply, and prepare for the unexpected. Life can be provided with a simple donation of blood. One donation, only takes 30 minutes, and will help up to three local patients,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “Among those who benefit from donating blood are trauma, burn victims, cancer patients, and persons undergoing surgery. Celebrate summer, by providing hope to family, friends, and community members by donating blood with us on June 17.  A person can donate blood every 56 days and over 60% of the population is eligible to donate.”

            Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 lbs 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 sole blood provider to all Sioux Falls Hospitals. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations.