As the U.S. experiences a new surge in COVID-19 cases, the Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply – including convalescent plasma. A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from COVID-19 survivors because antibodies to the disease in their blood may help patients who are currently fighting the virus. Increased hospitalization of patients with coronavirus this fall and winter has caused the Red Cross to distribute a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are battling the virus.

As a thank-you for helping meet the need for blood donations through Dec. 14, Suburban Propane is offering blood, platelet and plasma donors a chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane, to enable a lucky winner to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend towards propane.*

Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to donate blood now to help patients in need. Find a donation opportunity using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies which helps provide insight to donors concerning possible prior exposure to this virus. Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within one to two weeks through our Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. As part of this effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma. Each week, whole blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute between 350-500 units of potentially lifesaving convalescent plasma for patients in need.

Blood donation safety precautions
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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Kitsap

Silverdale 12/8/2020: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Kitsap Mall, 10315 Silverdale Way NW

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Lewis

Chehalis 11/24/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 128 NW Prindle Street

Chehalis 12/4/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lewis County PUD, 730 Liberty Pl.

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Pacific

Raymond 12/9/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elks Lodge #1292, 326 3rd St

Ilwaco 12/10/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., New Life Assembly of God, 405 First Ave N.

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Pierce

Tacoma 12/7/2020: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Christ Embassy, 2000 109th St. S.

Tacoma 12/14/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., American Red Cross Tacoma, 1235 S. Tacoma Way

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Thurston

Lacey 12/3/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Church of LDS – Lacey 6th Ward, 9341 4th Ave NE