Spike in COVID-19 cases has led to emergency plasma shortage
$5 Amazon.com Gift Cards offered to thank all blood donors who come to give
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 28, 2020) — Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19. The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double over the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in.
Individuals who have fully recovered and received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma now by completing the donor eligibility form at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.
Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus.
Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid pandemic
Though this summer may feel different than summers past, one thing remains constant: The need for blood donations to help save lives. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have stepped up to help by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross. Blood donations from healthy individuals are just as essential now to meet patient needs, and those who gave this spring may be eligible to help again.
Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free 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.
As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon.* Plus, come to give by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season!^
Blood donation safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their 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 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 Aug. 1-15:
American Legion, 211 South 7th Mayfield, KY 42066
8/7/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bethel Christian Church, 12245 Woodville Road Kevil, KY 42053
8/5/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Church, 121 Kentucky Ave. Princeton, KY 42445
8/6/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Church Street Church of Christ, 305 West Church St. Lewisburg, TN 37091
8/13/2020: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road Paducah, KY 42001
8/12/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cross Road United Methodist Church, 1289 Ullin Ave. Ullin, IL 62992
8/4/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 307 Massac Creek Road Metropolis, IL 62960
8/10/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church, Monroe and Jefferson Golconda, IL 62938
8/4/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
First Christian Church, 415 Audubon Drive Paducah, KY 42001
8/3/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 1601 Main St. Murray, KY 42071
8/13/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 104 Church St. Camden, TN 38320
8/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fredonia Mennonite Church, 16848 Marion Road Fredonia, KY 42411
8/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Livingston Hospital Health Care Services, 131 Hospital Drive Salem, KY 42078
8/5/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lone Oak First Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Road Paducah, KY 42001
8/10/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Lowe’s Paducah-Hinkleville Road, 5176 Hinkleville Road Paducah, KY 42001
8/3/2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marshall County Hospital, 615 Old Symsonia Road Benton KY 42025
8/12/2020: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mayfield City Hall, 211 East Broadway Mayfield KY 42066
8/11/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Newton Creek Baptist Church, 12800 Ogden Landing Road Kevil KY 42053
Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, 300 South 3rd St. Paducah, KY 42001
8/12/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Paducah Blood Donation Center, 4635 Falconcrest Drive Paducah , KY 42001
8/1/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
8/3/2020: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
8/4/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
8/6/2020: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
8/7/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
8/8/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
8/9/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
8/10/2020: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
8/11/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
8/13/2020: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
8/14/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
8/15/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Rest Church, 1225 Broadway St. Paducah, KY 42001
8/11/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
About blood donation
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of 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 nation’s 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.