Albany blood drive set April 30
By Melinda L. Lucas
Despite COVID-10 restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, April 30.
Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
“Currently, our blood supply is stable,” said the blood center’s marketing manager Kelsey Caprio. “However, as elective surgeries begin to be scheduled again, it’s crucial that donors continue to donate when eligible so that we are prepared.”
Caprio added that the safety of donors and staff is definitely a priority, and the center appreciates the community’s patience and understanding if the process of donating takes a little longer than usual with the extra precautions being taken.
She said that the number of people in the blood mobile is being limited to eight at a time, including the staff.
“Screenings begin outside of the blood mobile, with donors asked several COVID-19 screening questions, as well as having their temperatures taken prior to entering the blood mobile,” Caprio said.
If space is available, the donor will then board the bus and begin the donation process. If there is no space at the time, donors are asked to return to vehicles and wait for a staff member to contact them.
“In addition, our staff members are screened daily and are wearing the proper personal protective equipment,” said Caprio.
Blood drives in Albany have been sponsored by the Kiwanis Club for over 20 years.
The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.
The Kiwanis Club blood drives are scheduled roughly every eight weeks throughout the year. The next one should be at the end of June or the beginning of July.
Local Kiwanians urge community members to donate blood to help ensure that patients in the hospitals served have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs.
Those who have eligibility questions can call Caprio at 325-670-2880.
