Community Blood Drive to be hosted by City of Big Spring, Feb. 26

The City of Big Spring will be hosting a Community Blood Drive on Feb. 26 in the City Council Chambers. As the pandemic continues and many blood drives, along with other outreach events, have been cancelled, the need for blood is of utmost importance. While blood donations are always needed, there is a demand for those who have had Covid-19 to come out and donate.

“The blood supply is extremely low,” Dianne Scott with Vitalant said. “This is an ongoing problem in all communities, and all blood types are needed.”

As healthcare providers across the nation continue to try and understand Covid-19, information is coming to the forefront regarding the importance of blood and plasma donations from those who have recovered from the virus.

“People who have had Covid can donate CCP Plasma, but the criteria is strict. You can not have taken the Covid vaccination and still donate CCP Plasma,” Scott said.

According to information provided by Vitalant, blood donations are being tested for Covid-19 antibodies. Even those who may have had the virus, but no symptoms could still hold antibodies and not know it. Those whose blood tests positive for antibodies of the virus will be notified to see if they would like to donate plasma to help a Covid-19 patient. “Even if the blood test is negative for Covid-19 antibodies, blood donations are still urgently needed for patients undergoing surgery, cancer therapy and other medical treatments,” according to Vitalant information handouts.

Convalescent plasma is one of the few treatment options for Covid-19 patients. According to data, on average, one out of four hospitalized Covid-19 patients receives convalescent plasma. There is an emergency need for convalescent plasma.

While Covid-19 antibodies plasma is urgently needed, Vitalant staff wants to remind donors to review the safety precautions before heading to donate blood. Those who are not feeling well should not donate blood.

“We encourage the