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Be The 1, Give Blood
Blood and plasma are needed more than ever. See how you could save lives and help your community.
Donating blood is selfless. Giving plasma after a COVID-19 infection — sharing the antibodies your body developed to help those who are battling the virus — that's heroic.
As communities continue to grapple with different stages of the coronavirus pandemic, all of us are in unfamiliar territory. While some adjust to communities reopening, others are bracing as their regions tighten restrictions to tackle the novel coronavirus virus that's increasing in parts of the world.
What's true everywhere is that the blood and plasma supply is down.1
Blood donations typically dip during the summer months and holidays, but the pandemic has added extra layers of challenge, mainly:
Blood and plasma centers, already known for their rigorous safety procedures, are taking extra precautions at this time, updating their process to allow social distancing while donating and even extending opening hours at their recruitment centers to provide more options for people to donate throughout the day.
The message from health experts is simple — donate.
"These are turbulent, difficult times. But people can support their communities and their loved ones by donating blood and plasma. It's safe and easy and it's one of the simplest ways that everyone can save a life," said Dr. Alex Carterson, global medical director, Transfusion Medicine, Abbott.
Fast Facts About Donating Blood and Plasma
Whether you're a blood donation regular or a rookie, here are some things you should know:
Want to Donate?
Select the country you're in to find the nearest blood and plasma donation center and schedule an appointment.
If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, you may be qualified to donate your plasma to help develop potential treatment for COVID-19 and help save lives. Visit covig-19plasmaalliance.org to learn more.
Abbott has been supporting communities worldwide with resources and technologies to fight COVID-19. Learn more about Abbott’s work on COVID-19 testing and the companies’ efforts to tackle the coronavirus.
References
1American Red Cross. American Red Cross Faces Severe Blood Shortage As Coro-na virus Outbreak Threatens Availability of Nation’s Supply 2TIME. Coronavirus Fears Are Leading to Blood Drive Cancellations at 'Unprece-dented' Rates in the U.S. 3American Red Cross. Donation Process Overview. 4American Red Cross. Blood Needs & Blood Supply. 5Community Blood Center. About Blood. 6World Health Organization. Blood Safety and Availability. 7American Red Cross. Blood Donation Process. Frequently Asked Questions.