Living through a pandemic can lead to many uncertainties, although one thing we are sure of, is that the need for blood never ceases. Blood is only useable for 42 days, so a constant supply is always needed, no matter the season. Winter has challenges with the threat of weather/travel and holiday schedules and planning. Ipswich residents are gearing up for a community blood drive to help prevent possible blood shortages in the coming weeks.

The Ipswich Lions Club will host a blood drive with Vitalant on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 in Fr. Bormann Hall from 1 to 6 p.m.

As the sole blood provider to nearly 75 hospitals across the Dakotas and western Minnesota, Vitalant needs at least 500 donors each day to meet the needs of this region.

A single donation can transform the lives of up to three people.

Donors can make a convenient appointment to give blood at www.vitalant.org or by calling (877) 258-4825 or Larry Stafford, 605-216-7354.

Vitalant is offering COVID-19 antibody testing with each complete blood draw to help find future convalescent plasma donors. Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/ weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have a signed Vitalant form from a parent or guardian. For questions on eligibility, call 1-800-289-4923.

To help speed up the process, donors can now complete their Health History the day of their donation by visiting www.vitalant.org .