Give blood with Sasquatch
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.
U.S. Surgeon General
We are suggesting that you follow Sasquatch’s lead and be sure to donate blood often! Respirators, hand sanitizers, facemasks, and toilet paper aren’t the only things in short supply as we battle the COVID 19 pandemic. The blood donation centers have had to change the way they work to accommodate the social distancing restrictions put in place by the CDC and WHO. It doesn’t change the fact that we still need to be donating blood regularly. The larger cities are the places that need it the most. As people are staying out of densely populated areas, services like blood donations are taking a big hit when they are needed the most.
Jessa Merrill, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, told MarketWatch that Red Cross Blood Services must collect 13,000 donations a day to meet the need of the hospitals and patients it serves. Indeed, the Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. Yet since March 1, some 5,000 drives have been canceled, mostly at workplaces and schools that are themselves closed. And, as a result, there have been 170,000 fewer donations than there would typically have been.
We’re facing a severe shortage right now,” she said — a sentiment being echoed by local blood banks all over the country.
Let’s put those fears to rest! Don’t be scared to give blood. Organizers at the Red Cross said there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transferred by blood transfusion and they’re adopting new protocols to keep it that way. The only thing that we need to be conscious of at this time is that we need to schedule our appointments to get blood drawn. With social distancing, they are limiting walk-in donators and ask that people schedule to come in so they can maintain the recommended distancing techniques.
For more information on how you can help, be sure to visit the red cross’ website! We want to see how you are giving back to your community during this unique time! Be sure to tag us on social media and show us what you’re up to.