We all know that COVID-19 has impacted our lives in ways large and small. Tuesday provides an opportunity to push back.
Vitalant blood services will hold a blood drive Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Colonial Hills Baptist Church’s Family Life Center. Vitalant’s Donor Recruitment Supervisor Stephanie Pointer said several protocols are in place to ensure that it will be safe to donate blood.
“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the blood supply,” she said. “As businesses have made changes due to COVID-19, there have been closures, staff furloughs, transition to remote working and restricted buildings. All of this has greatly impacted our ability to have mobile blood drives at business locations and at schools where blood drives are regularly scheduled.”
The situation has driven Vitalant’s blood supplies to a dangerously low level, she said.
“We are currently on critical appeal, and expect to be for some time,” Pointer said. “Summer months are always incredibly difficult, as school is not in session and more people are traveling on vacations, so we typically see a decline at this time of year anyway. With the additional challenges of COVID-19, the blood supply has been impacted much earlier and much harder than during an average summer.”
The company needs blood for medical use, but is taking donor safety very seriously, she said.
“Both donors and staff are required to wear a mask or facial covering,” said Pointer. “Donors will have their temperatures taken upon arrival at any blood drive or donor center, and it will be taken again during the interview process. Social distancing is in place, so donors will be spaced farther apart during the entire process, from the waiting area to the donor beds to the canteen. Extra cleaning precautions are in place, and are being done more frequently.”
Pointer said Vitalant strongly encourages potential donors to make an appointment.
“If the blood drive is busy, we may not be able to accept walk-ins. However, we will do our best to accommodate donors while still maintaining the guidelines in place,” she said.
If you donate, you will be tested for the COVID-19 antibody, Pointer said.
“Results will take 10-14 days to get back, and will be added to the ‘Wellness’ section on our donor portal,” she said. “This will not test for active infection and anyone that has signs or symptoms of illness will not be seen.”
To make an appointment for Tuesday’s blood drive, visit https://tinyurl.com/Vitalantblooddrive.