Local blood drive slated for Thursday

WORTHINGTON — Community Blood Bank and Sanford Worthington will have a community blood drive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Sanford Worthington Medical Center, 1018 Sixth Ave.

This blood drive will benefit the local blood supply.

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. February, in particular, is a difficult month to maintain the blood supply at adequate levels.

“Due to the cold and flu season preventing people from donating blood, Community Blood Bank has experienced an 18 percent decrease in blood donations,” said Ken Versteeg, executive director of Community Blood Bank.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Donors should bring identification. It is recommended that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. It only takes 20 to 25 minutes to donate with Community Blood Bank.

Community Blood Bank is the sole provider of blood and blood products to 30 local area hospitals, including Sanford Worthington.

For more information, call 372-3319. Walk-ins are welcome.

Tags: news, worthington