Did you miss National Blood Donor Month last month? There’s still an opportunity to give blood. 

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, with over 36,000 units of red blood cells needed every day. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, but nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. 

Currently, The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for Covid-19 antibodies, and plasma from whole blood donations that test positive may help current coronavirus patients. Also, if you’ve recovered from a verified Covid-19 diagnosis, your convalescent plasma donation is sought to help up to four coronavirus patients. Adults who have received a Covid-19 vaccine may donate blood under FDA guidelines, with no deferment of blood donation following a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The American Red Cross notes that in most states, donors must be at least 16 years old in most states, healthy, and weigh at least 110 lbs. In fact, less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood. Some may be turned away due to illness such as the common cold, being on a particular medication, low iron or having recently traveled outside the United States. 

Type O is the blood type most in demand, but all blood types are needed, and while many hospital procedures have been put on hold due to the current pandemic, The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to donate now to ensure the supply as medical procedures resume, especially since many blood drives have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 concerns. Type O-negative blood and Type AB positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Both are always in demand and often in short supply. Donors must wait 56 days before each whole blood donation, although they can donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year. 

If you have further eligibility questions, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html. 

Want to give blood? Here are some local blood drives this month.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Dedham Blood Donation Center 

180 Rustcraft Road

Dedham, MA 02026

12:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints 

91 Jordan Road

Franklin, MA 02038

1-6 p.m.

Dedham Blood Donation Center 

180 Rustcraft Road

Dedham, MA 02026

7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

University Station 

239 University Ave

Vacant Storefront next to ULTA

Westwood, MA 02090

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.