Donations Often Decline at This Time of Year
Tis the season of giving, and what better gift than the gift of life? The American Red Cross is reminding people all across Los Angeles County that the need for blood donations does not stop over the holidays. Unfortunately, donations often decline at this time of the year as people focus on holiday activities. This is especially troubling because the COVID-19 pandemic has already forced cancellation of thousands of blood drives across the country since March.
L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, has hosted four blood drives since the pandemic began, helping provide blood that could save lives. The health plan is holding another drive next Wednesday, December 23, to help ensure an adequate supply over the holidays.
All donors will get an anti-body test to determine if they previously had COVID-19. People who have antibodies may qualify to be future convalescent plasma donors, which could help treat patients who are actively fighting the virus.
Everyone who donates will receive a holiday t-shirt that says Blood Donors Shine.
The Red Cross staff will follow strict safety protocols, including holding the drive in a large conference room, to allow for proper social distancing.
Other Red Cross safety protocols include:
- Staff and donors wear masks at all times
- Staff wear gloves and change them often
- Donor stations are wiped down after each collection
- Sterile collection sets are used for each donation
- There is enhanced disinfecting of equipment
- Hand sanitizer is provided for use before entering and throughout the donation appointment
- Temperature checks are conducted as donors enter the blood drive
The CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, Joanne Nowlin, will be donating blood at this drive at 11:15 am.
The American Red Cross will be at:
L.A. Care Health Plan
1055 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, Room 100
Wednesday, December 23
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Media Availability – 10:00 to Noon