Blood donors needed locally during Covid-19 pandemic

Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only usable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Winter has challenges, with the threat of weather, and traveling, and holiday schedules and planning. New Rockford residents are gearing up for a community blood drive to help prevent possible blood shortages in the coming weeks.

"In areas with harsh winter weather, cold weather and storms often keep people from donating blood," says Weldon Roberts, Donor Recruitment Representative of Vitalant. "With fewer people donating blood, some parts of the country run the risk of having critical blood shortages." To make sure there's a dependable blood supply locally, First Lutheran Church has scheduled a community blood drive on Monday, November 22, from 11:30 a.m to 6:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, please contact Marydean Weinmann (coordinator) at (701) 947-2352. The drive will be held at First Lutheran Church. Appointments are encouraged to keep donors socially distanced. Face masks/coverings are required.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed forms from a parent/guardian. For questions on eligibility, call 1-800-289-4923.

To help speed up the process, donors can now complete their "Health History" the day of their donation by visiting http://www.vitalant.org.