April is national volunteer month and Red Cross is doing their best to supply the country with blood during this trying time.
In Sioux Falls at the Hilton Garden Inn Red Cross spent the day gathering blood from donors to supply hospitals. With the pandemic Account Manager Kim Jensen says donations have been scarcer this year but blood donation is still crucial for hospitals.
“Its very important… the need is still there the need is constant, so we need donors.”
Dell Rapids resident, Renae Livingston, decided to give blood today, like she does every three months. She thinks her contribution bring a rewarding feeling and feels that donating is easy and quick.
“I do it every three months, its one way I can help… it really helps a lot of people.”
Livingston views the process of blood donation as very simple. As a former hater of needles, she applauds the workers who make it the experience much easier.
“I used to be afraid of needles and giving blood…and you’re done.”
Giving blood is very easy and many people can do it. To Jensen, everyone will need blood in their life, and she hopes that anyone is able to will come give blood.
“Everyone will need blood at some point before we pass… its such a rewarding thing to do.”
Along with your blood donation Red Cross is testing donor’s blood for Coronavirus antibodies. Results can indicate antibodies regardless of having symptoms and if the donor has received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Red Cross has more donation events coming up in several counties in South Dakota. To find out more you can download the Red Cross app on your phone.