Windom, MN – Community Blood Bank has battled throughout the pandemic to maintain a strong blood supply for local patients in need. With policies related to social distancing, limiting the number of donations at drive sites, businesses unable to host blood drive events, employees working from home, and public fear to go out for blood donation functions, the community’s blood supply has been drastically impacted. Community Blood Bank has experienced over 500 cancelled blood drive events, equating to over 12,000 blood donations. Creative processes and support from multiple community businesses and organizations has greatly improved the situation. With a call for 500 units of blood each week to meet the needs of community patients, Community Blood Bank is running short of collections most days. Donations are being used at a record pace and many days, usage is out pacing collections.
Community Blood Bank and Windom Area Health will partner up to host a community blood drive on Monday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donors are encouraged to give blood to support the needs of local patients. To schedule an appointment donor can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org, click on “events” and select June 7th and “Windom Area Health” from the calendar or call 507-831-0655.
“We need to keep the blood supply as strong as possible as we move through the summer,” states Lauri Hoffmann, Community Blood Bank Program Coordinator. “The need for blood is immediate and constant, we are currently at critical needs status; the only way to gain any ground is for businesses and volunteers to step up to help. Through community support, we can save local lives together.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation.
Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.