American Red Cross

American Red Cross

>> there are a lot of questions asked when it comes to donating blood.

But donors and recipients, it's a safe and healthy process.

Here to explain, ashly, the executive director from the american red cross, joining us via skype.

So thank you so much.

>> thanks for having us.

>> let's talk about the need, shall we?

We need blood as much as we ever d.

I imagine, and do we need as much as before, less, more, how are things going right now?

>> here's the thing with blood.

It has a shelf life.

And a lot of people don't realize that whole blood has a shelf life of 42 days, just like the milk in your refrigerator goes bad, not only do we need blood now, but a steady stream of blood.

>> how has the supply been since the start of this quarantine, stay home, shelter in place, whatever you want to call it?

>> unfortunately, we have had a lot of blood drives cancel, and that's because we depend on volunteers, and colleges and corporations to host our blood drives, and of course all of these locations are being closed or have been closed.

So we're leaning on government partners, faith-based organizations and businesses and theties that are still open right now, and just urging the american public to come out and donate blood because it's safe to do so.

>> let's talk about that.

Because covid-19, we're understanding that it's a respiratory illness, but a lot of people assume that the virus can exist in the blood.

And how do you know that donors are safe to donate and the donations are safe to receive?

>> well, first of all, there has been no evidence of this coronavirus being transmitted via blood transfusion, and there's no evidence of any respiratory virus being transmitted through transfusion across the globe.

But our staff is taking extra steps to make sure that donors feel safe.

We're practicing social distances in blood drives.

If you come across a donation center, you might see that things look differently.

And that's because the beds are far apart.

And you are going to see temperatures checked as you enter into the room and you're going to see staff changed frequently.

They always wear gloves, but they're going to see them in between the temperatures, and you'll see donor equipment and ipads and beds and things like that.

>> you just answered my next question, because we're serious, what at the steps are you taking now for people to donate blood?

You are keeping that distance, and checking temperatures, which is extremely important.

What is the need right now?

We always ask the same question every time we do an interview with the red cross?

As far as the types of blood that are more in demand, most useful to you?

What do thank you need?

>> all types of bloods.

We need people to get out and donate blood.

9,000 blood drives have been canceled in the question in the past few weeks so, the biggest need, if you have a blood drive scheduled with the red cross, keep that.

>> do people need to donate more often?

What is the criteria for people to maybe double up on their donations?

>> there's a limit.

And of course we have to follow the fda regulations on this.

So donating blood, it's every 56 days, so a healthy individual can potentially save three lives every 56 days, and with platelets, it's more frequent, you can donate plate let's every couple of weeks.

>> you can, and how does the latest donation process differ, or is it similar to blood donation?

>> the platelet donors, whole blood 45 minutes to an hour, but platelet donors, we set them up with a movie to watch because they're in it for the long haul.

>> bless them.

And you said that 9,000 blood drives have been canceled across the country, and that's a lot of blood.

And of course you do the math and it's at the tip of your tongue right now, but people can still sign and up donate.

And how is the best way for them to do that?

>> the best way to find a blood drive, for your zip code at red cross.org.

And you can search by distance or date, and find a blood drive that's open near you.

>> and you have blood donation centers as well.

And are those remaining open?

>> yes, the fixed sites in the charleston area, and they are open for business.

Seeing a good amount of generous folks that just want to come out and help.

>> that's wonderful and thank you for giving us that information, and for anyone who wants to donate, be sure to go to those places.

We'll have the information on our social media platforms, stay safe.