Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. The need for blood is constant, and will continue even as the outbreak grows. One of the most important things you can do to ensure we don’t have another health care crisis on top of the coronavirus is to give blood. This blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer. There is no evidence and there are no reported cases of the coronavirus – or any respiratory virus - being transmitted by a blood transfusion. Preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrubĪll of these mitigation measures will help ensure the safety of all those at a blood drive or center. Using sterile collection sets for every donation, and Routinely wiping down donor-touched areas Wearing gloves and changing gloves with each donor We also want to emphasize that at each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees already follow thorough safety protocols to help prevent the spread of any type of infection. Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment. Spacing beds to follow social distancing practices between blood donors, and Providing hand sanitizer for use before the drive, as well as throughout the donation process We understand why people may be hesitant to come out for a blood drive, but want to reassure the public that Common Space and the American Red Cross have implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of our donors and staff in response to concern, including:Ĭhecking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy We are expecting cancellations to continue to increase, which is causing heightened concern for blood collection organizations and hospitals across the country. Workplaces, college campuses and schools are canceling their blood drives as these locations temporarily close and more people are being told to work remotely and practice social distancing. In Southern California, there have been 307 blood drives cancelled and Red Cross will be unable to collect 10,881 units of blood as a result. Through March 16, about 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in 86,000 fewer blood donations. This can save several minutes at the appointment.Īnyone with questions about Hingham’s blood drive are encouraged to call Art Robert at Town Hall, 78, ext.The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.Īs the coronavirus pandemic has grown here in the U.S., Red Cross has seen blood drive cancellations grow at an alarming rate. Those giving blood can use RapidPass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history online before arriving at the blood drive site. Visit and enter the sponsor code “Hingham”.There are three ways to schedule a blood donation appointment for this drive: The Town of Hingham would like to encourage all eligible residents to participate in the Sept. To learn more about these new policies and procedures, click here. This change makes blood donation more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community. 7, the American Red Cross implemented the FDA’s updated final guidance regarding an individual donor assessment for all blood donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. To learn more about eligibility requirements, click here.Īs of Aug. In Massachusetts, a 16-year-old may donate blood but is required to have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian before donating. There is no upper age limit for donating, so long as the individual is feeling healthy and well and meets the other criteria. The Town of Hingham will host a blood drive later this month through the American Red Cross that is open to all eligible residents.Īnyone at least 17 years old can donate blood, as long as they are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.
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