Irving Citizens Can Help the Community by Donating Blood

The Covid-19 pandemic has depleted our nation’s blood supply. Irving citizens can help by donating blood at one of the upcoming Red Cross blood drives. Each blood donation saves up to three lives.

The Red Cross is hosting three local events to help increase the supply of blood products in Irving and the surrounding community hospitals. Blood donations slowed at the onset of the pandemic, while the high number of critically ill patients due to Covid-19 increased the hospital demand. Community involvement is crucial to increase the blood products available to people who need them.

Irving residents have a chance to give back to the community. Anyone who qualifies may donate blood. There are three scheduled community blood drives. Donors willing to help save lives may schedule by calling 1-800-733-2767.

4/13/21 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Element Hotel North DFW/Irving3550 Highway 635 Irving Dallas
4/21/21 9:00 AM3:00 PM ClubCorp – Las Colinas Country Club 4400 N O Connor Rd Irving Dallas
4/22/21 11:00 AM 5:00 PM Element Hotel North DFW/Irving3550 Highway 635

Carter Blood bank is also accepting donations at various locations in Irving. To schedule, click here.

All blood types and blood products are needed, including plasma and platelets. Red blood cells (RBC), also called erythrocytes, help deliver oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs. Platelets also called thrombocytes, help the blood clot after an injury.

The need for Type O negative blood is incredibly high. People with type O blood are known as universal donors as type O negative blood can be used in the highest number of people.

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The Red Cross and Carter Blood Bank have updated blood donation eligibility guidelines for those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The FDA has released updated guidelines regarding blood donation and Covid-19.

The FDA highlights that respiratory viruses are transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been “no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus, including SARS-CoV-2, worldwide.”

People who received the Pfizer, Moderna, or Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine may donate blood without delay in most cases. The FDA has approved donations from those who received the two messenger RNA vaccines or the inactivated virus vaccine by Johnson and Johnson. Both centers request donors provide the data and name of the vaccine to verify eligibility.

All donors must be in good health and have a normal temperature on the day of donation. People who recovered from a previous Covid-19 infection are also able to donate blood. Covid-19 survivors may donate blood 14 days after all symptoms have disappeared. Covid-19 survivors who received monoclonal antibody therapy may donate blood with site-specific restrictions.

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Plasma donations are needed from Covid-19 survivors. Plasma contains antibodies which are proteins made by the body to help fight infection. Convalescent plasma from patients who recovered from Covid-19 may contain life-saving antibodies. FDA approved convalescent plasma use for hospitalized Covid-19 patients under an emergency use authorization. Anyone interested in donating plasma after a Covid-19 infection may sign up here.

The Red Cross and Carter Blood Bank will not accept a donation from those who have been placed in quarantine by a health care provider after exposure to Covid-19. Donors should wait until fourteen days after exposure before scheduling.

All blood donations are tested for Covid-19 before being released into the nation’s blood pool.

Local blood banks will help organizations and companies schedule future blood donation drives. Consultants will help with site selection and dates. To schedule an event with Carter Blood Bank, leaders can email [email protected] or call 817-412-5384. To schedule an event with the Red Cross, click here.