A cooperative partnership between the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the United Blood Services will put a $2 Beef Certificate in the hands of blood donors during the month of May.

Beef Council Partners with United Blood Services

  PIERRE (April 18, 2005)—During the month of May, South Dakotans will have an extra incentive to donate blood—and an additional reason to eat beef.

The United Blood Services (UBS) in South Dakota and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) have partnered in a unique project. Every person donating blood at all UBS affiliates in South Dakota during the month of May will receive a $2 Beef Certificate, good towards the purchase of beef at a retail outlet or restaurant.

“When people come to our centers and donate blood, we always recommend that they eat meat after donating in order to build up the iron in their blood,” says Beth-Anne Ferley, UBS donor recruitment director. “When you donate a pint of blood your iron level may drop a bit. That’s not a problem, but we do like to see you replace it and eating beef is an excellent way to do that.”

Ferley approached the beef council to see if they would be interested in a partnership program after hearing about a similar program in Wyoming . Nancy Montross, SDBIC president and a DeSmet beef producer, was excited about the proposal. “We are very pleased to be supporting this project,” says Montross. “It shows that beef is a healthy food that is a great source of iron, zinc and protein and it is also a way for the SDBIC to promote donating blood. It’s a great partnership.”

In addition to the $2 Beef Certificate, donors will also receive a Beef. It’s What For Dinner…And for Donors brochure. The brochure explains that a healthy red blood cell count is essential when donating blood and that iron is an important mineral which helps build red blood cells and carries oxygen to the tissues throughout your body. Consuming an iron-rich diet is necessary to build healthy red blood cells, both before and after donating blood.

In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Ferley is hoping the promotion will also encourage more people to get out and give blood. “There’s a real need now for blood donors in the state,” she says. “Due to the number of colds and flu during the past few months, many of our consistent donors have been unable to donate. We’re hoping this promotion is just one more reason for people to take time out to donate blood and help build up our supply levels.”

With its main office in Rapid City , United Blood Services non-profit community blood centers provide blood, blood components and special services to patients throughout 95 percent of South Dakota . Ferley says she’s pleased to have an incentive to get people to donate blood, improve their health and support beef producers in the state. “We not only want to save lives through having an adequate blood supply on hand,” she says, “but we want to promote healthy living and support an important industry in this state. It’s a great and strong partnership.”

To find out where you can donate blood in your area, contact United Blood Services at 605-342-8585, or go to the UBS Web site at www.unitedbloodservices.org. To find more information on the nutrient value of beef, contact the South Dakota Beef Industry Council at 605-224-4722 or go to www.sdbeef.org or www.beef.org.

The SDBIC, which collects the $1-per-head beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota, is comprised of representatives from eight agricultural organizations: SD Beef Breeds Council, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Cattlemen’s Auxiliary, SD CattleWomen, SD Farm Bureau, SD Farmers Union, SD Livestock Market Association, and SD Stockgrowers Association.