As COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities this spring, the American Red Cross reminds the public that the need for blood remains.
The Red Cross encourages healthy individuals to make a blood donation appointment now.
Those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to donate right away, so long as they’re symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, according to a Red Cross press release. Additional blood donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Plasma from routine blood and platelet donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients.
Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks after their donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, according to the press release, and individuals who don’t feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 are asked to postpone donation in order to protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and other donors.
To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Upcoming Blood Drives
• April 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lewis County PUD, 730 Liberty Place, Chehalis
• April 30: 1 to 6 p.m., Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia
• May 6: Noon to 6 p.m., LDS Chehalis Ward, 2195 Jackson Highway, Chehalis
• June 17: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 128 Northwest Prindle St., Chehalis
