COVID Corner (CO-16) – by Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie County
This is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens. Most of this information was obtained from the American Red Cross website.
Blood donations and COVID-19
Are you a regular blood donor, concerned about donating during this pandemic? Or maybe you are a new donor, waiting for the panic to subside before looking into donating.
The U.S. Surgeon General states, ““You 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.”
Blood donations are now more important than ever. There is a constant, ongoing need for whole blood, and platelet donations. Donors who test positive, or are considered a close contact of a positive are not able to donate during their quarantine or isolation period. This limits the amount of blood available for those who need it.
The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies (these show that someone has had COVID-19 in the past). Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Therefore those who have had COVID-19 in the past, are strongly encouraged to donate!
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. As hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, donors are urged to give now to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.
For more information about donating blood, COVID-19 Antibody testing, blood donations and COVID-19, or to find a drive near you, please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/.