The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to give blood this spring.
The nonprofit has partnered with the IndyCar series to enter donors who give blood or platelets April 1-15 into a contest to win a VIP trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis 500, and to enter all April donors into a contest for one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of the winners’ choice.
Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Indy50.
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms, according to a Red Cross press release. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
“Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions,” said the press release. “Convalescent plasma is a type of blood product collected from COVID-19 survivors who have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients.”
The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, according to the press release. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
“Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional 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,” said the press release.
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.
For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.
Here are the upcoming local drives:
• April 9: LDS-Toledo, 122 Henriot Road, Toledo, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
• April 27: Lewis County PUD, 730 Liberty Place, Chehalis, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• May 6: LDS-Chehalis Ward, 2195 Jackson Highway, Chehalis, noon to 6 p.m.
• May 25: Winlock High School, 241 North Military Road, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• June 17: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 128 Northwest Prindle St., Chehalis, 1 to 6 p.m.
