Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives at alarming rates due to the coronavirus.  Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.  The general public is responding to blood appeals, however more donors are needed to meet the demand for blood for patients.

While everyone is being asked to avoid mass gatherings, it is very important to note that blood drives are not considered “mass gatherings.”  Blood drives are controlled events with trained staff and appropriate safety measures to protect donors and recipients.  Like a hospital, grocery store, or pharmacy, a blood drive is essential to ensuring the health of the community. 

In fact, the U.S. surgeon general has said,”You can still go out and give blood.  We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future.  Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.” Find a blood drive near you.