Healthy individuals are needed to schedule an appointment now to give in the days ahead to help patients counting on lifesaving blood throughout this pandemic. The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak.
With workplaces, college campuses and schools temporarily closing, blood drives at these locations are being canceled. Since March 1, about 7,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in more than 200,000 fewer blood donations. The organization is expecting cancellations to continue to increase, which is causing heightened concern for blood collection organizations and hospitals across the country.
As a nation, this is a time where we must take care of one another including those most vulnerable among us. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment now to donate in the days ahead by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross Keeps Donor Safety Top-of-Mind
While coronavirus has caused concerns about whether it’s safe to go to blood drives and donation centers, the Red Cross has implemented thorough safety protocols to make the blood donation process even safer. “Social distancing doesn’t mean social disengagement,” according to the U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams. “So, give blood today, you’ll feel good about it,” says Adams.
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the following new measures to ensure blood drives and donation centers are even safer for our donors and staff:
Additionally, at each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees already follow these thorough safety protocols to help prevent the spread of any type of infection, including:
What You Need 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:
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 comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
