American Red Cross In Need During COVID Holiday Season

Published on November 20, 2020

As we head into the holidays this year the U.S. is experiencing a new surge of COVID-19 cases. The American Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply -- including convalescent plasma. With COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in some areas and with CDC recommendations to limit travel, we want to remind everyone that blood donations are exempt from COVID-19 gathering restrictions in local communities and are deemed an essential service.

The American Red Cross is working to ensure hospitals and health care facilities have blood and convalescent plasma available for all who need it. A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from COVID-19 survivors whose blood contains antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. As COVID-19 hospitalizations have dramatically increased this fall, the Red Cross has distributed a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are batting the virus.

To make an appointment go to redcrossblood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-Red Cross.