There is an urgent need for blood donations right now, to meet the needs of patients in hospitals as surgical procedures and treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to COVID-19 resume. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled, as many businesses and community organizations restrict the number of individuals at their locations, which creates challenges for a stable blood supply
St. John Lutheran Church, 425 N. Main, Russell, will host a blood drive Sunday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Weekend blood drives in rural areas are not common, and provide an opportunity to donate blood for individuals whose schedules do not allow them to donate during a weekday drive.
A recent statement by the American Red Cross announced all blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies starting June 15, 2020. The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms.
For the next few months, Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory, where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.
The Red Cross has implemented additional measures to ensure blood drives are safe for donors and staff.
Current safety measures include:
· Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering to make sure they are healthy
· Providing hand sanitizer for use before and throughout the donation process
· Following social distancing between donors including entry, donation and refreshment areas
· Ensuring face basks or coverings are worn by both staff and donors
· Routinely disinfecting surfaces, equipment and donor touched areas
· Wearing gloves, and changing gloves often
· Using sterile collection sets and an aseptic scrub for every donation
Individuals who would like to donate are asked to make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a time that works for them. Appointments allow the American Red Cross to exercise social distancing and provide good donor services.
For more information, please contact St. John Lutheran Church at 785-483-5358.