MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The American Red Cross is declaring a blood shortage emergency, warning that donations have plummeted since the end of May.
Even though summer vacations and other activities typically cause people to get out of the habit of giving blood, the need doesn’t disappear. If anything, with long days, summer road trips, and outdoor adventuring well away from major hospitals, the risk of traumatic injuries heads higher over June, July, and August.
The Red Cross is running a blood drive in Huron on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Local drives are run through LifeSource. Davison County has two in August, both in Mitchell. Staff will be on hand at Avera Grasslands Clinic on the 7th from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., convenient for those taking a lunch break. Another event is set for August 18th from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church.