Blood drive set June 25

Despite ongoing coronavirus restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, June 25.

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. “With summer starting though, it can change very quickly, and although the need is still there, we see a decrease in donors.”

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.

Part of that safety process is requiring donors to wear a mask at all times.

Caprio said this week that the number of people allowed in the blood mobile is back to normal capacity of 12 people at a time, including the staff.

“Instead of being outside, screenings for -COVID-19 now happen inside the interview room prior to the normal donor history questionnaire,” Caprio said.

She added that staff members are still being screened daily and are wearing the proper personal protective equipment.

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 is set for Aug. 20.

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 Freddie Sosa at 325-670-2880. Other concerns or questions can be directed to Caprio at 325-670-4271.