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Red Cross invites blood donations to make up for shortages

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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.

    

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.

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