(June 15, 2020) — Beginning today and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products.
Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within 7-10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to COVID-19.”
Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.*
Blood drive safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 15-30:
OR
Crook
Prineville
6/30/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Charles Prineville, 384 SE Combs Flat Road
Deschutes
Bend
6/17/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hampton Inn, 730 SW Columbia St
6/18/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/22/2020: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/23/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bend Parks & Recreation, 799 SW Columbia St
6/23/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/24/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/25/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Eastmont Church, 62425 Eagle Rd
6/26/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St.
6/26/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/26/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Eastmont Church, 62425 Eagle Rd
6/29/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Church of the Nazarene-Bend, 1270 NE 27th St.
6/29/2020: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
6/30/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110
La Pine
6/15/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cascade Bible Church, 52410 Pine Dr
6/24/2020: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., La Pine Community Health Center, 51600 Huntington Rd
Redmond
6/22/2020: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., LDS – Redmond OR Stake, 450 SW Rimrock
6/29/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Eagle Crest Resort – Ridge Sports Center, 8100 Cooper’s Hawk Drive
6/30/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., St Thomas Catholic Church, 1720 NW 19th St
_______________
Grant
John Day
6/18/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 944 E Main St.
6/19/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 944 E Main St.
_______________
Jefferson
Madras
6/16/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, 340 NE Oak
6/17/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 49 NE 12th St.
About blood donation
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.