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HomeNewsAmerican Red Cross urgently needs Blood Donations during COVID-19 pandemic, upcoming Holidays

American Red Cross urgently needs Blood Donations during COVID-19 pandemic, upcoming Holidays

American Red CrossNashville, TN – The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to band together to give blood or platelets and help ensure a stable blood supply for patients this holiday season.

The traditional slump in blood donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s comes as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

Sara Hernandez has been giving platelets since she was 18 years old. (Amanda Romney, American Red Cross)
Sara Hernandez has been giving platelets since she was 18 years old. (Amanda Romney, American Red Cross)

Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for the holidays or a widespread coronavirus outbreak.

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In thanks for making time to donate around Thanksgiving, those who come to give blood November 25th-28th will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last.

Important COVID-19 information for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 Coronavirus symptoms.

Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 Coronavirus survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

COVID-19 Coronavirus antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 Coronavirus postpone donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions â€“ 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 asked 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public guidance.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 16-30:

American Red Cross
1760 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN 37043

11/16/2020: 10:30am-4:30pm.

11/18/2020: 10:30am-4:30pm.

11/23/2020: 10:30am-4:30pm.

11/25/2020: 10:30am-4:30pm.

11/30/2020: 10:30am-4:30pm.

 

Governor’s Square Mall
2801 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37040

11/27/2020: 12:00pm-6:00pm

 

Veteran’s Plaza
William O. Beach Civic Hall
350 Pagaent Lane
Clarksville, TN  37040

11/24/2020: 9:00am-2:00pm.

 

About blood donation

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit?RedCrossBlood.org, call 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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% 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.

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