Vermillion

Vermillion, SD-Vermillion Law Enforcement and Vermillion Fire Department will be battling to see who can recruit the most blood donors for the community’s blood supply in the fourth annual “Heroes Behind the Badges” community blood drive.

The “friendly competition” between the departments will be held at on Monday, January 11 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Wal-Mart and 2:30pm to 6:00pm at Sanford Vermillion Hospital. Community Blood Bank’s bloodmobile will be there taking the donations. All the blood donations collected will help make a difference in the local blood supply and help save local lives.

The public is encouraged to come in to donate and designate their donation to the department of their choice. All donors will receive a blood donor t-shirt. The department credited with the most blood donations will receive a trophy and bragging rights for a year.

“The end of 2009 has been challenging for the blood supply. There has been a decrease of 25% in donations primarily due to weather related problems,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “Community Blood Bank uses 550 units of blood per week to meet the needs of patients. Donating blood is a very easy way to impact a patient’s life.”

Community Blood Bank is a non-profit, cooperative of Sanford and Avera McKennan Hospitals. In addition to supplying Sanford Vermillion Hospital, Community Supplies over 27 hospitals in southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and southeast South Dakota. Donors must be 17 years of age or older (16 years old with signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org). weigh 110 lbs. or more and be in good general health the day of the blood drive.

It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID. For more information please or to make an appointment please call 624-2611. Walk-ins are welcome.