Red Cross holds drive as need for blood continues

The American Red Cross hosted a blood drive June 9 at the Lorain Public Library System’s Main Branch, 351 W. Sixth St. in Lorain, to make it more convenient for citizens to help with the demand for blood during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Christy Peters, communications manager for the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross, said there is a big need for blood.

“Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, we cancelled blood drives,” Peters said. “Now, with hospitals returning to elective surgeries and other functions that were on hold due to COVID, there has been a 30 percent growth in the need.”

Peters said the American Red Cross is taking all the precautions to make sure donors are safe from the virus while giving blood.

“We are having everyone wear masks as they come in,” she said. “We are taking temperatures at the door.

“If your temperature is too high, we will ask you to donate at a later date. We are also sanitizing everything after each use. Everyone is wearing gloves and we are making sure social distancing is being practiced.”

Peters said all blood types are needed.

“We really are in need of all types,” she said. “I would say we are in the highest demand for type O-negative, because it can be used universally. “We also have a need for more African American blood donors as well. Blood has a short shelf life, so we are always in need.”

Appointments to donate can be made at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Walk-ins will not be accepted.

“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop.

“We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Tim Lilly, left, a collections tech with the American Red Cross, takes the blood pressure of Jennifer Scheiferstein, an Avon Lake resident.

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Lorain Public Library System, June 9.