Bryan Rotary is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the Red Cross office in Bryan (4244 Boonville Rd.) this Saturday, March 28th. As the Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross, I am charged with ensuring our blood drives are safe and that we can continue to supply blood to our community and country regardless of natural disaster, warfare or pandemics. I am requesting assistance from my fellow Rotarians as I navigate this mission in unprecedented circumstances.
Disruptions to blood donations can lead to shortages and cause delays in essential medical care. As of Monday, 3/23/2020, about 7,000 blood drives, representing approximately 200,000 fewer blood donations, have been canceled in the U.S. due to COVID-19 concerns. As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic rise, you can help by simply communicating these vital messages to the public:
• Donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time.
• More healthy donors are needed to give now to prevent a blood shortage.
• Keep scheduled blood drives, which will allow donors the opportunity to give blood. As an emergency preparedness organization, the Red Cross has also taken additional steps to ensure the safety of staff and donors at each Red Cross blood drive.
