The year began with more than 1,500 Angelenos signing up to donate blood at the Fox 11 blood telethon. Red Cross volunteers and FOX 11 reporters took calls and set up appointments to ensure blood products are available for patients during National Blood Donor Month, a time in the winter which is a difficult time to maintain a sufficient blood supply.
However, as the pandemic grew, the blood supply began to drop as drives were canceled and more people stayed indoors. The Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and any drop can have a damaging effect. Government officials declared that donating blood was essential to community health. So, Angelenos rolled up their sleeves — many of them giving for the first time - and responded to the need.
As the months wore on, it was discovered that the plasma from the blood of those who recovered from a COVID-19 diagnosis contain antibodies that can attack the virus. This led to another push for blood and plasma - and the region responded. In August, the FDA authorized convalescent plasma therapy for people with COVID-19, offering some relief for those with a severe diagnosis.
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.