January is Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross is inviting everyone to make an appointment at the nearest blood drive and help the cause.
The need for blood is never ending, so the Red Cross holds numerous drives throughout the year in order to keep a steady supply of blood being replenished. The Red Cross first made January Blood Donor Month in an effort to combat a believed slowdown in the number of winter donation participants.
“We want people to take January as an opportunity to come out and give blood,” said Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. “This year is no different, but we do see that people are responding to this appeal, and, as a result, we’ve been having successful blood drives.”
COVID or no COVID, people in the Ohio Valley, or in this case, the Ohio River Valley, never fail to help out their fellow citizens.
That’s why Kesselring is expecting a big turnout for next week’s annual Media Blood Donor Day sponsored by WTRF and Bordas & Bordas. Traditionally, the event was held at WesBanco Arena, but last year it was moved to Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack after the arena was unable to accommodate it with a date for the event.
A similar situation arose this year with the track, causing a move to Vance Memorial Church at 905 National Road in the Woodsdale section of Wheeling. Vance has morphed into the Red Cross’ home away from home for donations since the closure of OVMC ended the weekly Monday blood donations that were collected at the facility. Vance doesn’t host weekly donations; however, the church does host blood drives in greater frequency.
Ease of Signing Up
Kesselring did note that this year’s Media Blood Donor Day will run for two days on Monday and Tuesday, January 25 and 26. Vance doesn’t quite have the space either WesBanco Arena or Wheeling Island has, so in order to meet the expected collection of roughly 175 units of blood, a second day was added.
Those participating during the event will also receive a Red Cross t-shirt.
One change to donations during the coronavirus-era is that walk-in donations are not being accepted. This is done to ensure proper social distancing inside the donation centers. Prospective donors can download the Red Cross blood donation app on their smartphones, or go online to www.redcrossblood.org, search for a donation center, and pick a time they wish to donate. This also allows you to select the type of donation you’d wish to give, whether a regular or Power Red donation.
It is quite simple and convenient, though those wishing to call via telephone to make an appointment may still do so by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
“It’s so easy to make an appointment with a smart phone,” Kesselring said. “You just download the American Red Cross blood donor app, and it gives you so much information. Just see what’s available and schedule an appointment.”
That includes any prospective donors who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19. Their blood contains antibodies that can be used to help current COVID patients. The convalescent plasma extracted from COVID survivors can patients currently stricken with the virus.
“We’ve been able since September to test for COVID antibodies in blood, and each donor gets a report stating if their blood does or does not have the antibodies,” Kesselring said. “Anyone that has had COVID and their blood is positive for the antibodies, might have their plasma used for convalescent plasma to help COVID patients.”
Others Ways to Help
Kesselring noted that the need for blood donations is also strong and encourages anyone capable of doing so to participate.
But the Red Cross does more than just administer blood drives. It is a key organization in facilitating and assisting with disaster relief across the country. The Red Cross also helps support military and veterans’ families.
The organization is always looking for a few good volunteers.
“There are a lot of opportunities for people to help,” Kesselring said. “People can give blood and also volunteer with disaster services or assist the armed forces and their families.
“There are a lot of volunteer opportunities for people who are interested. All they have to do is call their local chapter in Wheeling at (304) 232-0711.”
