Blood Drive at Country Club fills up

More than a week prior to the scheduled Jan. 10 blood drive, all appointments had been taken to donate blood at the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club. Representatives at the sponsoring American Red Cross said those wishing to walk in without an appointment could do so, but would only be accepted as a donor if somebody with an appointment did not show up.

The drive will take place in the Magnolia Room from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Red Cross is encouraging donors to visit other local blood drives to help with the substantial blood shortage the state and country are experiencing.

The American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.

Photo provided by American Red Cross

Busy holiday schedules, breaks from school and winter weather have all contributed to a drop in blood and platelet donations this time of year. Those factors, combined with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, make it vital for donors to make an appointment to give as soon as possible. If more donors don’t come forward to give blood, some patients requiring a transfusion may potentially face delays in care.

Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.