Blood Assurance is encouraging individuals to keep their scheduled blood donation appointments and organize blood drives as COVID-19 continues to spread in the U.S.
The nonprofit organization has special protocols in place to ensure the health of donors and specified that individuals are not at risk to contact COVID-19 through blood donation or transfusion, according to a news release.
"We are asking potential donors, both current and first-timers, to make and keep appointments to ensure that a sufficient blood supply will continue to be available for all patients who need it," Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance said in the release. "Making a blood donation now, or scheduling a donation for the near future, will help to maintain the adequacy of our blood supply."
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal prior to donating.