United Blood Services issued the following announcement.
In the wake of COVID-19 responses, Vitalant is urging groups to continue organizing blood drives and individuals to continue donating blood, unless local public health officials specifically direct otherwise. Blood drives at schools, churches, community groups and religious institutions—which represent more than 60% of the nation’s blood supply—are events critical to health care in our country, and if canceled, could jeopardize patient care.
“We strongly urge organizations to follow the guidance of state and local public health organizations when responding to COVID-19,” said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Vitalant’s chief medical and scientific officer. “And we strongly urge these public health organizations to use data-based approaches to manage the public’s response. Otherwise, we will be in jeopardy of causing another public health crisis—not having enough blood to meet basic patient needs.”
Vitalant—the second largest blood provider in the country—is working with other blood banks to avoid a critical failure of the blood supply. In parts of China and here at home in Seattle, the blood supply is at the “lowest levels” and is in “danger of collapse” as groups have canceled blood drives and individuals have stopped donating blood.
Organizations—schools, businesses, religious institutions—should follow the guidance of public health officials, rather than determining policies on their own. And if they are open (if classes are in session, if employees are working on site, if religious services are being conducted), they should continue to host blood drives. As part of the COVID-19 response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed guidance for “mass gatherings”—but those “mass gatherings” do not include blood drives.
“Blood drives are not mass gatherings. They are more like a health care necessity, not at all like a concert or convention,” Dr. Vassallo said. “But obviously, if public health officials order closures, blood drives associated with those organizations would close.”
Vitalant urges sick people to stay home, and appropriately seek medical attention, if there was an exposure to COVID-19. Vitalant urges healthy people to stay healthy by following CDC guidelines—to not shake hands and to wash hands frequently. And, Vitalant urges healthy people to help now by giving blood and organizing blood drives.
“In these difficult times, giving blood is something healthy individuals can do to help the sick. The only source for blood—literally in many hospital procedures, the source of life—is another human being,” Dr. Vassallo said. “We need people to donate blood today, while following guidance from the CDC and other agencies.”
In addition to mobile blood drives, Vitalant has a network of nearly 125 donation centers nationwide. Healthy individuals can help respond by scheduling an appointment to give blood by going to vitalant.org or calling 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
The blood collection process is safe. In addition to the vigorous FDA-mandated testing of all blood components donated, Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols on our bloodmobiles and in our donation centers. Finally, giving blood has no impact on the donor's immune system.
In addition to barring non-healthy individuals from donating, Vitalant is telling individuals not to come in to donate if they have visited a country with sustained widespread COVID-19 outbreaks as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). For a complete list of these countries click here. For a listing of countries in Spanish, click here. You should also avoid donating if you have had COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone suspected of having a COVID-19 infection.
“According to the CDC, the risk of contracting COVID-19 is currently low,” Dr. Vassallo said. “Furthermore, due to the nature of the virus, it is highly unlikely that it can be transmitted through blood transfusions.”
COVID-19 transmission occurs like the spread of the flu (influenza). And although there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, to reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Vitalant is actively monitoring the situation and will quickly implement any necessary changes as new information emerges from the CDC, FDA and AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks).
Original source can be found here.