By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

Schools, churches and businesses often host blood drives for the American Red Cross, and in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, many blood drives have been canceled. But the need for blood donors remains.

“What we’re seeing right now is a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented cancellation of blood drives,” said Jay Bonafede, chief communications officer for the American Red Cross Western and Central New York Region. “About 7,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country, which translates to 200,000 donations that were lost.”

The Red Cross held a blood drive March 26 and 27 at the New York State Fairgrounds and is planning more blood drives in the coming weeks.

“Don’t get discouraged if the appointments are filled up,” Bonafede said. “We are strongly encouraging people to check back in.”

The Red Cross is taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19. Donors, volunteers and staff must complete a health history and have their temperature checked before even entering the facility. As always, staff will wear gloves, use sterile collection kits and sanitize commonly touched areas. Hand sanitizer will be available onsite, and the donation beds and waiting area chairs will be spaced apart as possible.

“We understand because of the social distancing concerns people might be hesitant to donate blood,” Bonafede said, adding, “There’s really no cases of any respiratory virus being transmitted through a blood transfusion.”

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who are unable to donate blood can still help the Red Cross in other ways. The organization is seeking monetary donations for its ongoing disaster relief efforts.

“A lot of our other mission continues. Emergencies don’t stop,” Bonafede said. “We’re still responding to home fires and other disasters. Right before COVID started spreading, we were responding to tornadoes in Tennessee, there were earthquakes in Utah.”

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or visit redcross.org/donate/donation.html.

“We’re thankful not only for our donors — both blood and financial — but our volunteers,” Bonafede said.

Some trainings may be on hold due to the pandemic, but the Red Cross is still looking for volunteers. Visit redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html to learn more.