BLOOD
BRIGADE
Because of social distancing regulations and concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, blood banks all around Texas and the United States are facing shortages of much-needed blood donations. The Blood Brigade is a student-run campaign based at the University of Texas at Austin that discourages the spread of misinformation about donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read below to find out what measures are being taken by blood banks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that those who donate are kept healthy and safe.
Become a Hemoglobin Hero and join the fight. #NotinVeinCampaign
Essential surgeries, transfusions, & transplants are still happening.
Although it may seem like COVID-19 is the largest health threat at the moment, many people are still experiencing life-threatening health problems such as organ transplants and cardiac surgeries, which require blood donations.
Thousands of blood drives have been cancelled across the country.
According to Red Cross, over 2700 blood drives have been shut down across the U.S. due to COVID-19 concerns and social distancing guidelines. That is equivalent to about 86,000 fewer blood donations.
The elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk.
Because the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with preexisting conditions are at a higher risk for catching COVID-19, there is an astronomical need for young and healthy people to donate blood.
We need to prepare for a second wave of the pandemic.
Low donor participation can harm blood availability at hospitals, and in the case of a second or third wave of COVID-19, hospitals may not be prepared to provide life-saving blood to patients that need it.
Why Donating Blood Is Important
Donating during COVID-19
There are lots of ways blood banks are keeping donors and staff safe while donating blood during COVID.
Precautions include:
Elongated time between donations
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All donors are kept apart by at least 6 feet, per social distancing guidelines, and donation stations are spread apart in the same manner. Donations are also timed so that people are not huddled together in one room at the same time.
Thorough cleaning and wipedowns
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All workstations, pens, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned between donors. Sterile collection sets are used for every new donor, and the arm is prepared for donation by using an aseptic scrub (this is a cleaning procedure that removes disease-causing micro-organisms, such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses, pathogenic fungi, and parasites).
Consistent checking of temperatures
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Anyone coming into a donation site will have their temperature checked, as high temperatures are an easily detectable symptom of COVID-19. A person with a temperature over a standard 99 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to donate (this may vary by location).
Well-stocked protective equipment
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Every health employee at blood drives and blood banks is required to wear gloves at all times. Masks are required and often provided, and many blood banks are stocked with ventilators and other equipment in case of emergency.
How Blood Brigade Works
Step 1: Spread Information
Step 2: Get Donors to Pledge
Step 3: Donate
We are hosting our own drive this summer in Austin and we'd love for you to come donate with us! If not, we will connect you to your nearest bank to make a safe donation.
