As you are most likely aware, there is a significant blood shortage in the United States. Responses to limit the exposure to the novel coronavirus and the risk of contracting COVID-19 have resulted in the cancellation of some 13,000 Red Cross blood drives. The Red Cross, which provides about 40% of the US blood supply, depends on blood drives to get enough blood donations to meet demand. Permanent sites can’t fill the need on their own.
Just because life has changed for all of us in different ways, the need for blood hasn’t. Many cancer patients need transfusions, accidents still occur where blood can be life-saving and many individuals with sickle cell disease need transfusions.
For these reasons, the Metro Rotary Clubs of Omaha have set up the below blood drives:
- Mon, Apr 13, 12:00-6:00, Westwood Church, 13056 Atwood Ave (southeast of 132nd and West Center), Omaha
- Tue, Apr 21, 10:00-4:00, DJ’s Dugout, 777 N 114th St (Miracle Hills Square), Omaha
- Fri, Apr 24, 10:00-4:00, Charlie’s on the Lake, 4150 S 144th St, Omaha
We’re so thankful these organizations are willing to help and to the Suburban and West Omaha clubs for working with the Red Cross.
Here are a couple videos that show how blood transfusions can save and transform lives: https://youtu.be/3_KWUxff_cg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1k05X6B-1Q&feature=emb_rel_pause.
The primary way you can help is by giving blood.
- Give Blood. If you meet the criteria (see https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html), we would hope you would consider giving, even if you’ve not donated blood before. You can sign up at https://rcblood.org/2UPqtUO.
- Is it safe in light of COVID-19? The Red Cross has taken additional steps to lessen risks See the two attachments that explain with an infographic and in more detail with words the actions the Red Cross is taking.
- Self-report. We would appreciate knowing if you donated blood at one of these drives. Please email Taylor Wineland if you do give blood.
