SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) —One in three people has “O” positive blood. It’s the most common blood type, and right now it’s in high demand.
The community blood bank is busy with people saving lives.
“I feel like it’s a civic duty that I can do. It’s important,” blood donator Lori Olson said.
“The big thing about people realizing the need for blood is they don’t know. They don’t realize how much blood is needed until a family member or friend requires a blood transfusion. And then it’s too late,” Versteeg said
For Lori Olson, it’s personal.
“My life was saved because somebody else gave blood. So, I want to give back,” Olson said.
And right now one blood type is needed more than the others.
“We have a lot of patients that came through that needed O-positive. And with that demand, we have run a little bit short on that and the need for O-positive blood,” Executive Director of Community Blood Bank Ken Versteeg said.
If you’ve never given blood before, Olson suggests asking yourself a few questions.
“Why not? What are the drawbacks if you if you need to make a decision, list the pros, list the cons, and if the pros outweigh the cons, then you go with the pros. And there are no cons to giving blood,” Olson said.
“30 minutes to save a life. I think it’s worth it,” Versteeg said
A single donation can save up to three lives.
If you can’t make it to the Community Blood Bank, you also donate blood at Great Shots in Sioux Falls and the Brandon Chamber of commerce from 9-5 tomorrow.
