As of late March, the majority of the Greater Bay Area is under a Shelter in Place designation to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Many schools and workplaces are closed with residents confined to their homes as the nation grapples with the global pandemic. Despite the multiple disruptions to daily life, the Red Cross of the Northern California Coastal Region remains committed to providing disaster relief 24 hours a day, seven days a week – no matter what. Additionally, there are steps the public can take to stay healthy and safe.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. The need is constant, regardless of weather, holidays, or COVID-19. The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.
Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. Watch this video on the safety and need for blood donations. Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon.
Should you need to contact the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-REDCROSS, or visit redcross.org.