As the pandemic has created a massive shortage of blood donations, the American Red Cross is asking those who are healthy to donate!
There are a few blood drives coming up in our area in the next few days and next week. A blood drive will be held in Sargent at the Sargent Community Center (314 W Main St.) on Tuesday, July 21 from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM. This blood drive will be hosted by the Sargent High School students. To make an appointment, call Vicky at (308) 215-0203.
On Wednesday, July 22 a blood drive will be held at the Broken Bow Municipal Building (314 S 10th Ave.) from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM. To make an appointment, sign up online at redcrossblood.org or call/text Susie (308) 870-5091 or Emily (913) 515-5723.
A blood drive will also be held the final week of July on Wednesday, July 29 in Broken Bow at the Municipal Building (314 S 10th Ave.) from 1 PM-6 PM. To make an appointment, sign up online at redcrossblood.org or call/text Susie (308) 870-5091 or Emily (913) 515-5723.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to donors. This testing may provide critical insight into whether donors may have possibly been exposed to this coronavirus. The Red Cross is committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic.
What is the Antibody Test?
An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood, which are formed when fighting an infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune system has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present. The COVID-19 antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
Please note the Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, including COVID-19. If you feel unwell for any reason, please postpone your donation. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom-free for 14 days and feeling well and healthy.
For more information about the American Red Cross, blood drives in your area, or to sign up for a blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org.
