Because of the ongoing pandemic, the Red Cross has been having a hard time keeping up with the demand for blood locally and across the nation.
Many past volunteers may think that the Red Cross has reduced their collection efforts, but this is not so.
Their website reads, “As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations or are operating under a phased reopening plan. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.”
In fact, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their blood plasma that can help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma donations.
In regards to having received a COVID-19 vaccination, there are some eligibility guidelines, that may defer a donation; however, donations are still needed.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org for additional information.
Locally, there is an opportunity to donate on Thursday February 11, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The drive will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5151 Orange Ave., in Cypress.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org to register for a time slot, using sponsor code: LDSCypress.