The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and following the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, plus others. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms.
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If you live outside the United States, health and safety tips can be found through the World Health Organization and by following your local Red Cross or Red Crescent society’s social media channels.
We are sorry for your loss. Our Virtual Family Assistance Center offers national, state and local information and resources that we hope will help you during this challenging time.
The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume all surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has significantly increased by 30% since demand sharply declined in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex environment. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that may help attack the virus. The Red Cross is helping to identify prospective donors and manage the distribution of donated convalescent plasma to hospitals treating patients in need.
If you're fully recovered from a verified coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid to help current patients who are seriously ill.
The American Red Cross has a high-priority need for Blood Donor and Facility Screener Volunteers to continue delivering services to our communities. These volunteers welcome visitors to Red Cross facilities or blood drives and take their temperature before they enter. Visitors could include potential blood donors, clients, course participants, and Red Cross employees and volunteers. We can use your help right now!
Search for “Screener” in the search bar to find positions.
*Note: Positions will vary based on location.
The Red Cross began working in early March to ensure the continued delivery of our lifesaving mission amid the many challenges presented by this coronavirus outbreak. This report provides an accounting of our activities during the first three months under COVID-19.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
