United Blood Services to kick off “Pump Iron, Eat Beef” campaign

PIERRE — Did you know that one pint of blood can save up to three lives? Much of today’s medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors. That’s why the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is working to “beef up” the donations during May Beef Month through the “Pump Iron, Eat Beef” campaign with United Blood Services (UBS).

During May Beef Month, a special “Pump Iron, Eat Beef” promotion will provide those who donate blood through participating UBS locations in Rapid City, Mitchell, Aberdeen, and Gillette, WY, with a $5 beef coupon while supplies last. Donors will also receive a copy of, “Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner and for Donors”, a brochure that details why beef is a healthy meal choice when donating blood.

“On May 28, SDBIC will be hosting a cookout and radio remote at the UBS location in Rapid City, S.D.,” said Ron Frederick, SDBIC executive director. “The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST. Burgers and brats with all of the fixings will be served.”

Beef is the perfect food to consume after a blood donation, as it offers important nutrients such as zinc, iron, protein and B vitamins, which donors need to replenish following a donation.

“Iron is an important mineral which helps build red blood cells and carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body,” said Frederick. “Consuming an iron-rich diet is important in building a healthy red cell count both before and after donating blood.”

A 3-oz. serving of beef contains nearly three times the percent daily value of iron as a cup of raw spinach or a 3-oz. serving of pork, and more than twice that of a 3-oz. serving of chicken, according to the USDA nutrient database.

The UBS Rapid City office is located at 2209 W. Omaha St. In addition to beef coupons, two outdoor grills will be given away during the event. For more information on the beef promotion and how to donate blood in the month of May, contact Brittany Sigel at 605-646-2620.

For more information on projects of the beef checkoff, check out www.sdbeef.org.