Coronavirus
Red Cross invites blood donations to make up for shortages
More than 250 Red Cross blood drives in Wisconsin have been cancelled since the rise of the coronavirus, depriving the organization of roughly 8000 potential donations.
Hospitals are facing a shortage of blood, as COVID-19 adds to the usual demand.
Wisconsin Red Cross spokeswoman Laura McGuire is urging healthy people to donate when they can, because the donation process is safe.
McGuire adds that “there has been no scientific evidence or data worldwide claiming that the coronavirus can be transmitted via blood donation.”
Donors should make appointments before going to give blood.
The Red Cross says you have to be at least 16 years old and 110 pounds to donate, and you must show an ID at the time you donate.
On an average day, the American Red Cross tries to collect 13,000 units of fresh blood around the U.S.
The Red Cross estimates that it has lost a potential 250,000 donations nationwide because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
