As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, the South Bend Medical Foundation Blood Bank has a concerning low blood supply. Closings and restrictions of college campuses and high schools due to COVID-19 continue to significantly contribute to the decline in local blood supply.
“Understandably, our Bloodmobile has limited access to schools and campuses right now, but we rely heavily on our local educational institutions for blood donations. We’re urging healthy community members and students to help with replenishing local supply by attending one of our scheduled drives or visiting one of our locations,” stated Dr. Joyce Simpson, South Bend Medical Foundation President.
With Labor Day approaching, officials are reminding folks that the need for donated blood sharply increases over holiday weekends.
“As our community celebrates the unofficial end of summer, our area hospitals are busy responding to boating and camping injuries, traffic accidents and other medical emergencies that require them to have ample supply of blood,” added Dr. Simpson. “We encourage the community to help us prepare for this need by donating in the days leading up to the holiday.”
Dr. Simpson said several area blood drives will take place prior to the Labor Day holiday weekend, including public Bloodmobile visits to area businesses like St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka and Plymouth, Ridge NAPA Auto Parts on South Main Street in South Bend, Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Martin’s Super Market in Elkhart and Elkhart General Hospital. Donors can also visit the South Bend or Mishawaka donor centers.
For a complete list of upcoming Bloodmobile donation sites, visit GiveBloodNow.com.
Regular local blood donations by healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed. Donations are essential for trauma patients and people undergoing a variety of situations, including surgeries, transplants, chronic illnesses, blood disorders and cancer.
