Red Cross needs blood donors …please!

Blood drives continue to be canceled at an alarming rate – nearly 10,000 so far – and the Red Cross has an ongoing critical need for blood and platelet donations amidst coronavirus uncertainties. To support the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross is urging blood drive hosts to maintain scheduled blood drives wherever possible. As new locations are secured, people ready to give can help make up for the about 300,000 fewer blood donations.

This is a time to take care of one another – If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment now to donate in the days and weeks ahead by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donated blood is essential in the care of patients relying on lifesaving blood transfusions for surgeries, cancer treatments, car accidents and other emergencies. In accordance with public health guidance, blood donation keeps families safe by contributing to a readily available supply of blood for hospitals. There is no evidence and there are no reported cases of the coronavirus – or any respiratory virus – being transmitted by a blood transfusion.

The Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of our donors and staff, including:
• Checking temperatures of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy.
• Providing hand sanitizer for use before the drive, as well as throughout the donation process.
• Following social distancing between donors including entry, donation and refreshment areas.
• Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment.
• Emphasizing the importance of appointments to help manage the flow of donors at drives.

It’s important to emphasize that at each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees already follow the highest standards of safety and infection control.
Standard safety protocols include:
• Wearing gloves and changing gloves often
• Routinely wiping down donor-touched areas
• Using sterile collection sets for every donation, and
• Preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub
• Helpful Hints to Know Before Donating Blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Three tips to help ensure a successful blood donation:
• Enjoy a protein rich meal
• Hydrate and Be well rested
• Wear a comfortable shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up easily

Individuals unable to donate blood, are urged to encourage a family member or friend to donate in their place. Or consider other ways to help volunteer at blood drives.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.