The rising need for blood donors in Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Starting next week, you can help the Community Blood Bank save lives.
The Flying for Life Blood Drive returns Monday. Those wishing to donate blood can stop outside of the KELOLAND News station between 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or between 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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'It's a fun competition between the Avera CareFlight and Sanford AirMed. This was started actually during COVID when we really were looking for blood donors,' Community Blood Bank executive director Ken Versteeg said.
Community Blood Bank staff are hoping to break last year's record of 850 donations.
Just one donation can go a long way.
'One pint of blood goes to save up to three lives because there are three components that are separated out after we receive the blood back at the hospital, and each of those components can go to a different person,' Community Blood Bank program coordinator Lauri Hoffmann said.
Organizers said the need for donors during the summertime increases when more people are traveling.
'When we would wind up using blood, in situations of a car accident or maybe a water accident or something like that, we always want to be prepared,' Versteeg said.
There's also a growing need in Sioux Falls as the city's population goes up.
'It's really definitely increased the amount of blood that's required for our hospital patients,' Versteeg said. 'The last three years, we've grown about 15%.'
Those hoping to donate must weight at least 110 pounds, or be in good health. Individuals must also be at least 16 years old, with parent's consent.
A full list of times and locations and information on how to sign up for the 5th annual Flying for Life Blood Drive is available here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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