During the season of giving, Red Cross urges blood donation
(Dec. 14, 2020) December may be the season of giving but its typically a challenging
time to collect enough blood donations. Add in a pandemic, and this year could be even
tougher than usual. Thats why the American Red Cross is urging those who are feeling well
to give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets this holiday season.
The need for blood doesnt stop for holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more
than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States. Donations of all blood
types are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.
Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by
downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-
RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo
device.
To encourage donations this holiday season, those who come to donate blood, platelets or
plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while
supplies last.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
As COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also
grown. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation given by those who&39;ve
recovered from this coronavirus. Their plasma contains antibodies that may help patients
actively fighting the virus. Learn more about convalescent plasma and sign up to give at
RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID.
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The
test may indicate if the donors immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus,
regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests
will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current
coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a
type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help
patients who are actively fighting the virus.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross
Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does
not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness,
referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and
donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with
COVID-19 postpone donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and
infection control, and additional precautions including temperature checks, social distancing
and face coverings for donors and staff have been implemented to help protect the health of
all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the
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drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment
with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 16-Jan. 4
American Legion Post 9, 707 Jefferson St. Madison, IN 47250
12/22/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Caesars Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Drive S.E. Elizabeth, IN 47117
12/18/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Corydon Baptist Church, Corydon Baptist Church, 2454 IN-337 Corydon, IN 47112
12/29/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Culver&39;s, 240 Federal Drive Corydon, IN 47112
12/22/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Library, 420 W. Main St. Madison, IN 47250
12/17/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saint Paul Lutheran, 10792 North County Road 210 East Seymour, IN 47274
1/3/2021: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Scott County Family YMCA, 805 Community Way Scottsburg, IN 47170
12/30/2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Scott Memorial Hospital, 1451 North Gardner St. Scottsburg, IN 47170
12/30/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
St. Ambrose Church, 325 S. Chestnut St. Seymour, IN 47274
12/30/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Unity Chapel United Methodist Church, 1760 Lost Creek Road N.W. Ramsey, IN 47166
1/4/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Walmart, 1618 W. Mcclain Scottsburg, IN 47170
12/24/2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Washington County Senior Center, 1705 North Shelby St. Salem, IN 47167
12/23/2020: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
YMCA of Harrison County, 198 Jenkins Ct. NE Corydon, IN 47112
12/31/2020: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
About blood donation
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit &8239;RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-
800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo
device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a
reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of
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identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16
with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in
generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors
18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete
their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation,
before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies about 40% of the nations blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international
humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-
profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to
perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or
visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.