ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all facets of life and that includes blood donations.

Abbie Arneson, Senior Donor Recruiter with Vitalant, said that COVID-19 has played a role in both donations and the need for blood with the delay in elective surgeries.

She said that a really positive thing is that now people can get tested for antibodies at the same time they donate blood.

There are several blood drives coming up in Aberdeen during July, including Friday, July 10 at Avera St. Luke’s; Sunday, July 12 at Sacred Heart Church; Thursday, July 17 at Dacotah Bank; and Tuesday, July 21 at Arise Church.

Other area drives include Tuesday, July 7 at United Church of Faulkton, and Monday, July 27 at the Knights of Columbus in Redfield.

Arneson recommended calling to make an appointment or visiting the Vitalant website.