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.
Through March 16, nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in some 86,000 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.
Sign-up online to reserve your time for donating.
