Healthy individuals are strongly encouraged to make an appointment and donate blood at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Blood Drive scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crosby-Ironton High School Gym, 711 Poplar Street.
There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus and the Red Cross needs the help of all types blood and platelet donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. As part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations.
Blood donation is a safe process, and people should not hesitate to give and receive blood. Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols. During this uncertain time, in addition to standard procedures, more tactics have been implemented including pre-donation donor temperature screening, enhanced disinfecting, social distancing, staff wellness and protection and providing increased education.
Appointments may be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk ins are also welcome; the process generally takes about 45 minutes. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Please contact the Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276 with any eligibility questions
