This spring as COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains.
Health individuals are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment now.
Those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate as long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name. Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer.
Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane. Plus, those who make it in to give May 1 through 15 will receive a $5 amazon.com gift card by email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.
Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at Crothersville High School, 109 S. Preston St.
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 5 at Brownstown Central High School, 500 N. Elm St.
Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 800-733-2767 or enabling the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device.
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Testing also may identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Plasma from blood and platelet donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood product collected from COVID-19 survivors who have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.
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 postpone donation.
Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at redcrossblood.org.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center requires temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.