Prior Lake, Minn. – Members of the public are invited to participate in a blood drive hosted by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community on Thursday, April 25, at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness (2100 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake). The harsh winter weather has had a significant impact on nationwide blood supplies, and all blood types and platelets are in high demand.

To schedule an appointment, please visit mbc.org/searchdrives and enter sponsor code 1637 to sign up. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blood donors must meet the following criteria:

• In good health
• Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with written parental consent)
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Free of antibiotics for 24 hours
• Symptom-free for at least 72 hours after a cold or flu

Donors participate in a screening as part of the approval process, including a brief physical and a health history questionnaire. The questionnaire can be answered on-site or in advance on the same date of the donation at mbc.org/idonate. The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.