Giving Blood During a Pandemic: Donors are Still Needed
With the ongoing pandemic, many people are trying to lower their exposure to COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and staying home more often. While people are protecting their health, the COVID-19 crisis has caused a shortage of donors who are out giving blood. Hospitals across the country are in constant need of blood, plasma, and platelet donations, and despite fewer people leaving their homes, the need for blood has only increased. To continue to perform life-saving operations for patients, medical professionals and blood bank organizations are still asking people to give when they can. Learn more about why donating blood has become more important than ever and contact Mobile Speciality Vehicles today!
Why Giving Blood Is Still Important
Scheduled critical surgeries and serious accidents may require injured people to need blood transfusions. When there is a decrease of people giving blood, this situation can stress current reserves to dangerously low levels. In time, the low supply of blood will not be able to meet current and future demands.
These accidents and necessary surgeries can happen to anyone, even the people in your life, such as a friend, coworker, or even a loved one. Giving blood ensures that they and others can get the blood transfusions they need when required. In addition, organizations such as the American Red Cross can analyze blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies to determine whether people have had coronavirus, but were asymptomatic. This type of research helps us learn more about the virus, allowing us to develop better safety standards, treatment options, and more.
Where to Give Blood
Local blood donation center locations will vary based on the organization and municipality. The American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, the AABB, and other organizations can help you find the nearest blood donation center. Reach out to Mobile Specialty Vehicles or your local blood donation location to learn more about where you can donate today!
Every donation center will have specific requirements for visitors. They may schedule you in for a designated time and date to give blood to lower the number of people at the center. They may also have an open, outdoor center set up using tents or mobile blood collection vehicles. This setup helps to provide proper distance between donors to lower the spread of the coronavirus. Some centers may have mobile applications or will call you on your phone, to inform you when to come inside to give blood so you can safely stay in your vehicle until they are ready.
Contact the blood donation center to learn about their requirements before giving blood. Most medical centers will require that you wear a mask to lower the risk of transmitting viruses and bacteria to other donors and the staff, as well as protect you. They will also ask that you wash your hands frequently and to use any available sanitation station after you touch surfaces, as well as keep the required six feet distance from other donors.
If You Think You Have COVID-19
Do not go to give blood if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have had a positive diagnostic test for the disease, or are showing symptoms. Most medical centers will request that you self-quarantine for 14 days if you are asymptomatic before coming to a blood donation center. Always seek out medical attention from a healthcare professional if you have moderate or severe symptoms of this disease.
Giving blood can help the members of your community when they need it the most. If you are a medical center professional taking blood donations and are looking for mobile vehicles that provide state-of-the-art benefits so staff can perform testing, obtain blood donations, or provide other general medical care, contact Mobile Specialty Vehicles today. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging time.