Red Cross community blood drive at new location

Emma Jenkins, community blood drive coordinator, said the blood drive scheduled on May 20 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. will be held at the Chase County Fairgrounds expo building.
The unit goal is 81, Jenkins said.
“We have a situation where some donors cannot give at this drive because they have donated the maximum amount in their calendar year donation limit,” she said.
As a result, they are requesting new donors or donors who haven’t given blood for awhile to step up and give life-saving blood, she said.
“Blood donations are critically needed this month. So this Mother’s Day, show up to give blood for the moms in your life,” said a Red Cross spokesman.
The American Red Cross continues to test all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
These results may provide valuable insight into a donor’s potential past exposure to coronavirus or an antibody response developed after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Only those feeling healthy and well should present to donate blood, and appointments are strongly encouraged.
    Appointments to give blood can be made online at redcross blood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), said Jenkins.
    To get a RapidPass on the day of a blood donation, donors should visit redcross blood.org/rapidpass, complete the questionnaire, then print the RapidPass and bring it with them.
    The completed RapidPass form can be shown on a mobile device, as well, when they come to donate.
    O-positive or any negative-type blood can donate power reds, but donors should plan on about an hour and a half.
    Walk-ins are welcome.
    Test results will be available to donors via the American Red Cross Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org within one to two weeks.
Masks still required
    The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, officials say.
    In accordance with CDC guidelines, all donors are required to wear a face mask even if vaccinated.
    Valve face masks are not permitted, and face shields can be worn in addition to face masks but not as a substitute.
    The next blood drive will be held at the Chase County Schools auxiliary gym on July 20, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.