YANKTON & PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX & DRGNews)- Lifeserve Blood Center has opened a full-time donor center in Yankton.

Spokesperson Danielle West says it’s a more convenient option for their donors.

West says they plan to offer their full services.

West says people should contact them to set up an appointment.

West says despite Covid-19 infection numbers falling, the need for blood donations is still critical.

LifeServe Blood Center is now the sole supplier of all blood and blood products for nine of Avera’s hospitals in South Dakota– including the ones in Gettysburg, Miller and Pierre.

Dr. Mikel Holland, President and Chief Medical Officer at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, says it’s simply a change in vendor.

Holland says switching to LifeServe helps streamline the needs of Avera and Avera-affiliated medical facilities.

Holland says having a readily available supply of blood and blood products is crucial for caring for many of their patients.

Since the beginning of the year, those nine hospitals– which also include the Avera hospital in Aberdeen and Avera-affiliated hospitals in Britton and Redfield– have been receiving blood products from LifeServe Blood Center rather than former supplier Vitalant. Hospitals in Eureka, Bowdle, and Faulkton will begin receiving all of their blood products from LifeServe starting in April 2022.