Summer months usually bring down the number of blood donors, which in turn puts a strain on blood supplies, according to Julie Jenson of Dak-Minn Blood Bank.
"People are on vacation or busy with the kids at home," she said. "We've run into a huge need this summer from Altru Hospital for surgeries and accidents because people are more active in the summer."
Dak-Minn is in need of A negative, A positive, O negative and O positive blood. Jenson said regular donors give blood every 56 days. The bank can store the blood for as many as 42 days.
There's also a need for blood's largest component, plasma, which is the liquid that remains after the removal of red and white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components. The proteins in plasma are used to treat shock, trauma and burns. Human plasma also produces antibodies used to treat chronic diseases such as hemophilia, as well as neurological and autoimmune disorders. Giving plasma is very similar to giving blood.
Dak-Minn Blood Bank is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1200 S. Columbia Rd. in front of Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Call (701) 780-5433 for more information.
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Biolife Plasma Services is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 6:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at 4770 Technology Circle in Grand Forks. Call (701) 772-7447 for more information.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .