UAB sounds alarm: Blood supplies are dangerously low, donations needed
Blood donation has been severely affected by COVID-19, and now, in mid-summer – traditionally a time when blood shortages are common – the situation may become critical if donations do not increase. (Getty Images)
Blood supplies are dangerously low across the United States. UAB Medicine and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at UAB Hospital North Pavilion from Monday, July 26 through Thursday, July 29.
Blood supplies have dropped to critically low levels nationwide. (UAB)
The drive will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Appointments are encouraged and are available at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code “UABNP”, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). UAB’s North Pavilion is at 615 18th St., Birmingham. All donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card via email.
“Blood donation has been severely affected by COVID-19, and now, in mid-summer – traditionally a time when blood shortages are common – the situation may become critical if donations do not increase now,” said Dr. Marisa Marques, director of Transfusion Services at UAB Hospital. “Hospitals need suitable reserves for those patients who need a blood transfusion, such as those with cancer, sickle cell disease, undergoing emergency surgery, trauma victims or postpartum women, among others. We urge you to please consider donating blood at this time of need.”
As part of recommended social distancing, many frequent or casual blood donors have curtailed their normal activities, including blood donation, Marques said. However, donating blood can be done safely, as blood collection agencies have implemented multiple strategies to reduce any potential risk of exposure to staff and donors.
Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors will receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening.
UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by blood centers. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.
This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.
