People in the communities of Rock County are known for their generosity — of time, talents, money and more. Another way to be generous is to give blood. It’s the one way to have the most impact in the sense it saves lives, literally.
According to the American Red Cross, blood supplies have fallen to critically low levels, and many areas now face emergency blood shortages.
In recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of some of the most transfused blood types to hospitals. Donors are needed now, and in the weeks ahead, to help rebuild the blood supply.
Blood shortages are an ongoing issue nationwide, but over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40 percent. The data is unclear about why this is happening, but what is clear is that we need to reverse this trend.
The Star Herald has always tried to get the word out about blood drives in the area, and this week we have information from the Community Blood Bank and the Red Cross.
The Community Blood Bank will be at Sanford Luverne from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, to accept donations for the Heroes Behind the Badges event.
Donors are encouraged to designate their blood donation in honor of the department of their choice. The department with the most donations will receive the traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Make an appointment at www.cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and “Jan. 22” or call 605-331-3222. Donors will receive $10 Subway gift cards as a thank you gift during National Blood Donor Month.
The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian from 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Adrian High School, 415 Kentucky Ave.
It will be in Edgerton from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at First Reformed Church, 230 Maple Street.
It will be in Pipestone from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 415 South Hiawatha.
Schedule appointments online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.