Health Beyond the Blog: Blood Donation

The Red Cross and hospitals have been reporting a shortage of blood donations as a result to canceled blood donation events due to COVID restrictions. However, there is still a great, and some may argue even a greater, need. For example, the winter weather event that swept the middle of the country a few weeks ago both created a need and led to additional shortages.

The Red Cross is now testing all donations for COVID antibodies. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. This also means that anyone who donates blood will learn whether they have COVID antibodies. Also, from March 15th to the 26th the Red Cross is giving all donors a free t-shirt while supplies last.

If you are able and interested, please schedule a time to donate blood. You can sign up at the Red Cross here or search here to find other, local organizations.