Red Cross urging CL blood donors to give

As Canyon Lake and the rest of the nation transitions to a new, hopeful phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and people resume some of their normal activities, the American Red Cross needs help to avoid a summer donation slump. That’s why the Red Cross is urging people to make it a summer full of life by donating blood, platelets or plasma.

There is a blood donation drive on May 25 at the Canyon Lake Community Church at 30515 Railroad Canyon Road. It will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

“In thanks for helping ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood products during this crucial time, all who come to give by May 31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane,” Christine Welch of the American Red Cross Southern California Region, said. “The Red Cross is also thanking those who come to donate May 28-June 13 with a limited-edition T-shirt, while supplies last.”

The Red Cross is concerned about the impact individuals returning to a more normal life could have on blood donor turnout and the blood supply this summer, Christine said.

“The need for lifesaving blood transfusions never takes a break,” she said. “It’s critical to have blood ready to go when every second counts.”

For example, hemorrhaging is the leading cause of pregnancy-related complications that can occur anytime during pregnancy.

“In instances of severe bleeding, blood transfusions often play a lifesaving role,” Dr. Ross Herron, divisional chief medical officer for the Red Cross, said. “For mothers with complicated pregnancies or deliveries, generous donors are the only source of the transfusions they may need to survive.”

Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood, and in most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Plasma from routine blood and platelet donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients. 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.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. 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.

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

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 masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 18 years of age (16 or 17 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.