Heroes Behind the Badges Blood Drive is Aug. 3 in Worthington

WORTHINGTON — Sanford Worthington Medical Center, Worthington Police Department, Sanford EMS, Worthington Fire Department and the Nobles County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its annual “Heroes Behind the Badges” blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Aug. 3, at Sanford Worthington Medical Center. Donor registration will be in the main entrance of the hospital.

The public is invited to stop by to donate blood to help local patients in need and demonstrate support toward your local heroes. Donors can schedule an appointment at cbblifeblood.org by selecting “events”, August 3, and Sanford Worthington Medical Center, or by calling (605) 331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

Everyone who donates will receive an All American blood donor T-shirt and a $10 McDonalds gift card.

This friendly competition provides an awareness for the need for blood throughout the summer months and how just one donation improves the overall supply level to treat emergency situations. Residents will have an opportunity to give blood, cast their donation vote to the department of their choice, and provide hope to local patients.

The winners of the competition receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year.

“As summer enters the last few weeks, many people are trying to sneak in their final vacations, summer activities, and enjoy time with friends and family. This becomes the most challenging time of the year to get residents to give blood,” said Lauri Hoffmann, Program Coordinator at Community Blood Bank. “The demand placed on the local blood supplies is unpredictable as some traumas will require up to 40 units of blood in addition to the regular anticipated usage such as surgeries, cancer treatment and child delivery.

In a 30-minute time frame, donors can provide lifesaving blood to three local patients and then do it all over again in 56 days.

If a person is looking for a way to give back this summer, consider donating blood. The process is simple and could even save the life of someone in your immediate family, a loved one, or a neighbor. The action of donating could provide a lifetime of hope for someone critically ill.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with a signed parent consent form from cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an I.D.

It is recommended to eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. For more information, visit 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. Community Blood Bank is not associated with any other blood bank organizations and is the sole blood provider to Sanford Worthington Medical Center.