United Blood Services Launches 'Pump Iron, Eat Beef' Campaign With SD Beef Industry Council

PIERRE – According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and one donation can help to save three lives. The United Blood Services (UBS) and South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) want to show their appreciation to those who take the time to give the gift of life.

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 certificate 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.

"Beef is an excellent source of zinc, iron, protein and B vitamins," says Ron Frederick, SDBIC executive director. "Iron is an important mineral which helps build red blood cells and carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body. 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.

"Donors who have been turned down for low iron in the past can improve their iron levels by eating iron-rich foods like beef, iron-fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables," says UBS Donor Recruitment Director, Angelina Pillet. "We also encourage anyone who's never given blood before to try it now and help us kick off the summer by stocking the shelves and saving lives!"

The "Pump Iron, Eat Beef" campaign will also include a beef cookout and live broadcast by KOTA radio at the United Blood Services Rapid City office located at 2209 W. Omaha St. on Wednesday, May 28. Two outdoor grills and $100 in beef certificates will be given away during the event.

"We will host a beef burger and brat feed with all of the fixings for blood donors at the UBS Rapid City location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST," explains Frederick. "KOTA radio will be there to broadcast live on the event, and radio listeners will be able to call in for a chance to win one of ten $10 Beef Certificates we will be giving away during the event."

Check back for updates, photos and information on all of SDBIC's Beef Month promotions at www.sdbeef.org or on SDBIC's social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Source: South Dakota Beef Industry Council