Blood Assurance is in critical need of donors, especially those with an O-negative blood type, according to a news release.
The organization is asking everyone who can donate blood to do so during this time of higher usage due to increased hospital need and elective surgeries resuming. A decrease in donor turnout has also been seen due to canceled blood drives and the prohibiting of walk-ins amid the coronavirus outbreak. Blood Assurance reports it has lost thousands of units due to the canceled drives.
Currently, one day’s supply of O-negative is on their shelf while O-positive, A-positive, A-negative and B-negative red cells are also in need, the release states.
“O-negative is the blood used in trauma situations so it is imperative that we get O-negative donors in as soon as possible,” Blood Assurance Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Culler said in the release. “COVID-19 has limited our ability to collect at schools, hospitals and many manufacturing facilities, which make up a large part of our collections. That’s why we need people with these blood types to give as soon as possible.”
Blood Assurance is accepting donors by appointment only and those appointments are being spaced out to keep in step with social distancing practices. Staff are wearing masks and frequently disinfecting all items and surfaces used by donors, the release states.
To donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors should drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and eat a meal rich in iron prior to donating.
Those wishing to schedule an appointment or find a donor center or mobile drive can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 999777.