Donate blood, pick your team in spirited annual competition

This paid piece is sponsored by Dawley Farm Village.

Give a priceless gift this holiday season and show your support for local public safety with the Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive.

The 29th annual event pits Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and the Sioux Falls Police Department against each other in a fun way to  bolster the community’s blood supply.

The blood drive runs through Jan. 4.

Residents are urged to pledge their blood donation in support of their preferred department. As a token of appreciation, all donors will receive a department-designed T-shirt, a card for a complimentary Texas Roadhouse appetizer, a $15 Hy-Vee certificate offer and two tickets to a local Skyforce game while supplies last.

Donors can secure a donation slot throughout the competition by visiting cbblifeblood.org or calling 605-331-3222 to schedule an appointment. While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcomed.

The Community Blood Bank is located at Dawley Farm Village and is one of the donation sites.

“The need for blood never takes a holiday. Your donation will directly support critically ill patients in the Sioux Falls area as we enter the new year,” explained Ken Versteeg, director of the Community Blood Bank.

“Car accident victims may need up to 50 units of blood. Cancer patients often require regular transfusions throughout their treatment. New mothers experiencing complications may need emergency blood supplies. We rely entirely on community donors to meet these constant needs. The holiday season poses one of the most challenging periods for maintaining our blood supplies. Please support our local heroes, Sioux Falls Police and Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, by donating at this special annual event and bring hope to our fellow residents.”

Seasonal illnesses and holiday activities continue to impact donation numbers, creating an urgent need for all blood types. Every donation can help save up to three lives through various blood components:

• Red blood cells for trauma and surgery patients.
• Plasma for burn victims and patients with clotting problems.
• Platelets for cancer patients and those undergoing organ transplants.

Why donate at the Community Blood Bank? Your blood donation will stay local, serving patients at all Sioux Falls hospitals and other regional health care facilities. Blood donations are tested and typically reach a patient within 48 hours. Your donation will take only about 30 minutes and will save up to three lives.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent found at cbblifeblood.org — weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. First-time donors are especially encouraged to participate because they represent the future of our community’s blood supply. It is recommended to eat within three hours of the blood donation and drink plenty of fluids. Please bring identification with you to the blood donation appointment.

The Community Blood Bank has served the greater Sioux Falls region since 1976, ensuring a safe, reliable blood supply for local hospitals and is a joint cooperative of Sanford USD Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.