Red Cross urges blood donation to maintain supply amid pandemic | Brainerd Dispatch

In winter, when severe weather and seasonal diseases affect blood donors, the American Red Cross often finds it difficult to maintain a strong blood supply.

This year, this pandemic has brought another challenge to maintaining a strong blood supply, so the Red Cross urges healthy people to make appointments for blood or platelets this month.

American Sue Thesenga said: "We have seen a lot of support from people who want to participate in donations, but I think there are some drawbacks at the beginning because people don't really know what to expect." Red Cross area Communications manager.

Thousands of patients rely on life-saving blood to donate blood every day. For example, Leslie Johnson and others, whose stories use the Red Cross as an example. In 2005, an agricultural accident broke Johnson's bones and bleeds heavily. In the first 24 hours after the accident, she received 10 units of blood and platelets.

"If she didn't have blood available when she needed it, then she might not be here today. I might grow up without a mother. It's my honour to promote free blood donation and help repay it to people in need." Johnson's daughter Ai Emily said in the press release.

This high school student hosted a blood drive last semester because she recognized the role of blood in helping to save her mother's life. Leslie Johnson (Leslie Johnson) is facing more surgeries to cope with the ongoing injuries caused by the accident, and she may need more blood transfusions.

"Through blood donation, this is a very positive way for people to make an impact and help. Currently, we are testing all blood donations for (COVID-19) antibodies," Thesenga said on Friday, January 29.

Antibodies are formed when fighting infections such as COVID-19, but Red Cross officials warn that a positive antibody test result cannot confirm infection or immunity. Therefore, the Red Cross will not test the donor to diagnose the disease, which is called diagnosis Detection.

Sesenga said: "The Red Cross has taken swift action to put all these safety precautions in place, and the governor also called for blood donation to be vital to the health of our community."

The COVID-19 antibody test results will be available in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the Blood Donor Portal within one to two weeks.

According to officials, the test has been authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

"If you donate whole blood, and the antibody in the blood is positive, the plasma in the plasma can be converted into recovery plasma. Saisenga said this will also inform the Red Cross, maybe this is a potential donor, He hopes to perform restorative plasma donation.

Convalescent plasma is a blood donation method collected from COVID-19 survivors, and its antibodies may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood that is positive for COVID-19 antibodies can be used to help COVID-19 patients.

Emily Johnson (Emily Johnson) said: "This is very important, especially when we respond to this pandemic, to ensure that there is available blood." "Blood is a meaningful gift."

To thank you for helping to ensure a stable blood supply, people who donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive Station this month will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.

"I think people really want to know if they have antibodies and will do everything possible to help. Like I said, donating blood is essentially a very simple way for people to give back immediately," Saisenga said.

In order to protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important for those who are unwell or who think they may be ill due to COVID-19 delaying donations.

To make a blood donation appointment for any upcoming blood event, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App and visit

, Please call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or enable "blood donor skills" on any Alexa Echo device for appointments or more information.

When checking in at the blood collection site, a blood donation card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required. The potential donor must have not donated in the past 56 days.

In most states, people who are 17 years old (as permitted by state law and 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health can donate.

(High school students and other donors 18 years and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.)

Donors must wear a face mask or mask. Blood donation activities will follow social guidance guidelines, including vacating donation beds, waiting areas and rest areas. Before entering a blood donation center or blood donation center, check the body temperature of the blood donor and staff.

Monday, February 1, 9 am to 3 pm, at the Essentia Health Sports Center, 502 Jackson Street.

Tuesday, February 2, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, at Central Wakes College, 501 W. College Drive.

February 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the 1647 Foreign War Veterans' Magazine, 309 Sixth Avenue.

From 10 am to 4 pm on February 11, and from 8 am to 2 pm on February 12 at Cascade United Methodist, 22781 Heihu Road.

At 6 o'clock noon on February 10 at U.S. Legion 4435 Main St.