American Red Cross seeks blood donations

MADISON COUNTY, N.Y. » Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Madison County offered through the American Red Cross can help fill an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially life-saving treatment for patients with COVID-19.

The Red Cross reported that the demand for convalescent plasma has more than doubled 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, according to officials.

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 with the Red Cross online. The information can be found by searching “Red Cross plasma donations” in your web browser.

The Red Cross outlines “convalescent plasma” as 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, the Red Cross reports.

“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 wrote in a press release. The institution is urging all healthy individuals, not just those with convalescent plasma, 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, the Red Cross stated.

Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting Redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-7332767, or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, the Red Cross announced that 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.

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.

Additional safety 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.

Please note upcoming blood donation opportunities in Madison County:

Canastota

• 8/6/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Canastota Veterans of Foreign Wars, 3835 Canal Rd

Hamilton

• 8/5/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 27 Broad St. Oneida

• 8/6/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Church on the Rock, 164 Madison Street

• 8/14/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Pauls United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St.

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 (16 with parental consent), 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.