Red Cross Will Host Metro Area Holiday Blood Drive Events
The American Red Cross is urging people to give blood to help continue to meet the needs of patients this holiday season.
The #WeGiveBlood Holiday Blood Drive will run Dec. 21-22 with multiple opportunities for donation as the two-day drive will be held at four locations.
On Monday, Dec. 21, donations can be made 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ralston Arena, 7300 Q. St in Ralston, or the Holiday Inn & Suites, 2202 River Road, in Council Bluffs. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, donations can be made 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Relevant Center Theatre, 21220 Elkhorn Drive in Elkhorn, and from noon to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Event Center, 1020 Lincoln Road in Bellevue.
Appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or through a Alexa Echo device. When making appointing use sponsor code “WeGiveBlood.” All who come to give will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
December is traditionally a slow time for blood donation due to factors such as the busy holiday season and winter weather, according to a news release. Add in a pandemic, and this year may be tougher than usual.
In addition, as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has grown. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation given by those who’ve recovered from this coronavirus. Their plasma contains antibodies that may help patients actively fighting the virus. Sign up to give at redcrossblood.org/Plasma4COVID.
The Red Cross tests blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptom. COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at redcrossblood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
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