NEWS

The American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donations due to the cancellations of blood drives amid concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Blood drives are essential to the health of a community, said Maria Center, executive director of American Red Cross’ southeast Georgia chapter. Each donation of blood can save three lives. The need for blood donations does not go away even during a global viral outbreak, she said.

The American Red Cross is also taking extra measures to limit risks of spreading COVID-19. Members of the staff are wearing gloves and putting on new gloves often, wiping down donor-touched areas after every collection, providing hand sanitizer before and throughout the donation appointment, spacing beds further apart when possible to promote social distancing and washing blankets between the use of each donor. Donors are also encouraged to bring their own blankets at this time. You can help avoid crowded waiting rooms by making an appointment to donate rather than just walking in.

The American Red Cross is in great need of monetary donations at this time too, Center said.

“We’re definitely having to spend millions of dollars to meet the challenges that we’re facing with coronavirus, and we are still delivering on our mission despite all of the challenges,” Center said.

Make an appointment to donate blood at Savannah’s local donation center by clicking here. You can also call Savannah’s American Red Cross donation center at 912-651-5300 or 800-338-4894.