For Lead Pastor, Rocky Purvis, and the members of Northside Baptist Church, hosting blood drives with the Red Cross is nothing new. They have been great partners and this week they hosted another blood drive. It comes at a time when the need for blood donations is critically important.

“It is an honor and privilege to partner with the American Red Cross because it is such wonderful organization that is working to save lives across the country and around the world,” said Purvis.

Rocky Purvis and his wife have both recovered from COVID-19.

“My wife and I were both diagnosed with COVID during the Christmas Season,” said Purvis. “For us, our symptoms were fairly mild, it was flu-like for a couple of days and then we were just tired for a couple of weeks.”

On February 15^th, the church in Lexington, SC collected nearly 100 units of blood. Staff, church members, and people from across the community, rolled up their sleeves.

“With accidents and surgeries and other things, giving blood is a way to literally save a life,” said Purvis.

For Purvis and others who have recovered from COVID-19, their donation could also mean helping a patient currently battling the virus. There are two ways COVID-19 survivors can help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at more than 170 locations across the country.

The Red Cross is also antibody testing all blood donations collected at blood drives– making every blood or convalescent plasma donation an opportunity to help COVID-19 patients. Currently, whole blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute hundreds of units of convalescent plasma each week to help meet patient needs.

“To know that my donation could help someone that is presently fighting this virus certainly is a motivator. I would say that anyone that has had COVID, who is healthy and able, to donate and help their neighbors,” said Purvis.

Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to donate now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“I would say that if you are wondering whether to give blood and you have never done it before? Give it shot! Try it,” said Purvis.

COVID-19 Blood Donation Safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

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.

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 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.