DALLAS-FORT WORTH — The American Red Cross is urging North Texans to share their big Texan hearts by rolling up their sleeves to give lifesaving blood. On January 13, DFW will be joining other cities in celebration of National Blood Donor Month with three convenient locations for people to start their new year by helping save lives.
As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product. Additionally, the traditional decline in blood donations during the winter months comes as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. By donating whole blood, donors can help combat the need for blood and the shortage of convalescent plasma. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients.
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
Appointments are still available. Schedule an appointment to join the American Red Cross New Year’s Blood Drives by visiting RedCrossBlood.org using the code: Celebrate2021, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.
During the month of January, National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross and the National Football League are teaming up to urge individuals—especially those who have recovered from COVID-19—to help tackle the need for blood. Anyone who donates blood in January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.* In addition, those who give between January 1- 20, will also be automatically entered to win the Big Game at Home package for an awesome viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card to put toward food and fun.**
How those recovered from COVID-19 can help
COVID-19 survivors can help by giving whole blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness.
Blood donation 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.