The demand for blood won’t stop with the coronavirus, and neither will the Red Cross. Accident victims, cancer patients and so many others will continue to need lifesaving blood, and we’re dedicated to providing it.
We understand that people have concerns right now about all aspects of public health, but want to stress that donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give. It’s important to note that blood drives have highest standards of safety and infection control—and do not fall in the category of “mass gatherings. We are also spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors and are looking at staggering donor appointments further apart to reduce the number of people at a drive at any one time.
As of March 25, more than 9,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in nearly 300,000 fewer blood donations.
If you are healthy, eligible and feeling well, we strongly urge you to give blood or platelets to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent potential shortages. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.
Q: The public is being asked to avoid mass gatherings. Aren’t blood drives mass gatherings?
A: Like a hospital, grocery store, or pharmacy, a blood drive is essential to ensuring the health of the community, and the Red Cross will continue to hold blood drives during this challenging time to help meet patient needs. In fact, the U.S. surgeon general has said, “(Y)ou can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”
Sign-up online to reserve your time for donating.
