Americans Urged to Donate Blood Amidst COVID-19
There is a nationwide need for blood donors amidst COVID-19. The Blood Center is seeking immediate donors who are healthy and eligible to donate.
LETTER FROM THE BLOOD CENTER
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread in the United States, The Blood Center urges individuals to make and keep donation appointments, and organize blood drives to ensure the continued adequacy of the blood supply.
“We’re seeing cancellations and a rapidly decreasing number of blood donors right now. There’s concern over the coronavirus, but hospitals face a bigger problem if there’s no blood available,” says Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director of The Blood Center. “We’re urging the public to follow the personal hygiene protocol suggested by the CDC, but also schedule an appointment to give blood.”
It is imperative that healthy individuals donate to minimize disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients. With the recent outbreak of coronavirus, the challenges to maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply are significantly increasing due to low donor turnout. Many organizations are beginning to cancel scheduled blood drives reducing the number of blood donations and collection events. Blood already on the shelves saves lives, and maintaining a sufficient blood supply is essential to ensure patients in need receive optimal treatment.
“The safety of our donors, patients and staff are our biggest priority. We’re focused on keeping our donor centers and mobile blood collection areas safe and sanitary for the public help save lives. We need current and first time donors to make and keep their donation appointments so a sufficient blood supply is there when patients need it.”
Billy Weales
President and CEO of The Blood Center
Scheduled blood donations ensure the fastest donation time, because staff is expecting the donor and they’re able to begin the survey portion of the donation process from their home, office or virtually any web enabled device.
Visit TheBloodCenter.org to schedule a donation appointment or call 800-86-BLOOD to help organize a blood drive for your business, school, civic or religious organization today.