The American Red Cross is asking healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well — especially those with blood type O — to give blood or platelets. The organization said in a press release that this will help to maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as concerns over COVID-19 rise in the U.S.
The American Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure blood drives and donation centers are even safer for our donors and staff, according to a press release. Additional precautions include: changing gloves often, enhanced disinfecting of equipment and conducting temperature checks before donors enter the blood drive or donation center.
“There are no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus including this coronavirus,” according to information posted on the Red Cross’ website.
Individuals wishing to donate blood should make an appointment through the Red Cross blood donor app, by visiting redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by enabling the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device.
