Building strong communities through blood donation
January is about new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s also National Blood Donor Month – a time to consider the important role blood donation plays in the health of our community.
Blood donation is critical for people involved in traumatic accidents, during medical operations and procedures, and also for people with cancer, anemia, and autoimmune disorders, among others.
The Red Cross reports that every two seconds, someone in our country needs blood or blood products.
Hospitals and health systems, like PacMed, Swedish and Providence, rely on local blood banks to maintain blood product supplies. However, COVID-19 has impacted donation volumes. Lifesaving blood donations remain essential for patients in need.
Help keep your community strong by donating blood locally. Find a donation center near you at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.
FAQs regarding blood donation and COVID-19:
Q: Is it safe to donate blood if you’ve had COVID-19?
A: Yes. If you’ve had COVID-19, you must be without symptoms for 14 days prior to blood donation. If you are asymptomatic, you must wait 14 days from the date of your positive test result.
Q: Will donating blood reduce COVID-19 fighting-antibodies?
A: No. If you’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine, your antibody levels won’t go down after you give blood, as your body will quickly replenish the antibodies.
Q: Will donating blood increase my exposure to COVID-19?
A: No. Donation centers take all necessary precautions to protect their donors and their staff members.
Q: Does my COVID-19 vaccination status impact my ability to donate blood?
A: Check with your local blood donation office to verify their COVID-19 vaccination requirements.