Beef is for Donors

Donate Blood in May for Beef Certificate

PIERRE (April 27, 2006)-For the second year South Dakota beef producers are doing their part to encourage everyone in the state to donate blood during the month of May. To back it up, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) has again provided 3,000 $2 Beef Certificates to be handed out in May to those who donate blood through the United Blood Services (UBS) in South Dakota .

"This partnership was so successful last year we wanted to do it again," says Beth-Anne Ferley, donor recruitment director for UBS. "Last year we ran out of certificates 2- ½ weeks into the promotion. It was a popular incentive and we're expecting it to be the same this year."

That would be a boon to blood supplies which are running at about one-half normal levels this year due to the weather-related postponements of many blood donation drives-especially in the western portion of the state, says Ferley.

People donating will receive a $2 Beef Certificate as long as they last. The certificates can be used to purchase beef from a retailer or in a restaurant. Donors will also receive the Beef. It's What's For Dinner...And for Donors brochure. The brochure explains that in a 2,000-calorie diet, a 3-ounce serving of beef provides 14% of a person's recommended Daily Value of iron. In addition, they will receive a recipe for Beef Stir Fry and Spinach-a delicious entrée that can be prepared in 30 minutes and help boost a donor's iron level.

"We like working with the Beef Council to educate our donors on healthy eating habits," says Ferley. "We often have women who are unable to donate blood because their iron level is too low. Beef will help build iron levels prior to and after donating blood-for men and women."

Pat Adrian , executive director of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, says the organization is proud to be a part of this partnership effort. "The state's beef producers are excited to raise a great-tasting, nutrient dense product that works well in a healthy diet," says Adrian . "We're pleased to be involved in a program that supports healthy eating habits, healthy lifestyles and donating blood."

With its main office in Rapid City , United Blood Services blood centers provide blood, blood components and special services to patients throughout 95 percent of South Dakota . To find out where you can donate blood in your area, contact UBS at 605-224-4722, or go to www.unitedbloodservices.org. To find out 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 collects the $1-per-head beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. At least 50 cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen's Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC can retain up to one-half for in-state programs.