There is always a need for blood donors.
The pandemic hasn’t changed that. In fact, it’s increased the need in some areas.
The Community Blood Center is looking for people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma.
Kristine Belanger is the Chief Operating Officer for the Community Blood Center. She said the antibodies in the plasma donations can help other people suffering from COVID-19.
“We work with those patients, those recovered patients, to donate plasma. That plasma then has antibodies that is transfused to people are seriously ill with COVID-19 and it helps them fight the infection,” said Belanger.
There is also need for regular, healthy blood donors.
“There are always people who are undergoing treatments, cardiac treatments, trauma surgery, and need blood and that blood needs to come from a volunteer blood donor. That need is ongoing. It continues regardless of the pandemic,” said Belanger.
Belanger said there are safety procedures in place to protect both people who donate blood and staff from COVID-19.
This includes staff wellness checks before coming to work and donations by appointment to prevent overcrowding.
“When someone shows up they will have a temperature taken to make sure it’s below 100 degrees. We will offer someone a mask if they do not have a mask, we would love to have everyone in masks,” said Belanger.
There’s also increased cleaning procedures and barriers up between patients.
You can sign up for an appointment on the Community Blood Center's website or by calling 1-800-280-4102 to set up an appointment.
