Record-breaking cold and winter storms across much of the U.S. has forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives in about 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help can’t wait.

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Important COVID-19 information for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients.

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:

• Montesano

3/2/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Calvary Chapel of Montesano, 303 Pioneer Ave W

Aberdeen

3/3/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., VFW Post 224, 105 E Heron St

Hoquiam

3/4/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elks Lodge Hoquiam, 624 K Street

Ocean Shores

3/5/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., North Beach Senior High School, 336 State Rt 115

Auburn

3/8/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Church of LDS Auburn M St, 625 M St NE

Chehalis

3/11/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., LDS – Chehalis Ward, 2195 Jackson Highway

Bremerton

• 3/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bremerton United Methodist Church, 1150 Marine Dr