The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) hosted a spring blood drive at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness in early April as part of an ongoing partnership with Memorial Blood Centers. During the drive, donors gave a combined 78 units of blood which have the potential to save the lives of 234 hospital patients. This year, a record number of 15 donors were first-time participants at the event.

Every two seconds someone in the United State needs blood or platelets. Blood donation events like this one are crucial to ensuring that everyone has access to lifesaving treatments when they need it.

To learn more about blood drives at the SMSC and sign up for future public donation events, please watch for updates at shakopeedakota.org.