Military Members Donate Blood Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard and American Red Cross responded to the urgent need for blood donations amid the coronavirus by hosting a blood drive for military members at Coast Guard Island in Alameda this week. Twenty-eight members of the Coast Guard donated blood and participated in the event, which also implemented social distancing measures. Seventeen people were compelled to give blood for the first time.

As people across the U.S. continue to shelter in place and social distance, the number of blood donations have declined, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Earlier this month the FDA released an urgent guidance for the need of blood and blood components in response to canceled blood drives and social distancing measures issued across the country.

The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply, making it a crucial time for people to donate blood, the FDA reports.

"Donating blood is just one way your Coast Guard members are making a difference," said Master Chief Shane Hooker, 11th Coast Guard District command master chief. "As members of the military and members of the first responder community, Coast Guard men and women are working around the clock to keep our waterways open for shipments of critical supplies and answering emergency calls for mariners in distress."

The blood donation event in Alameda was held in response to COVID-19 and part of a national initiative under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that encourages all employees who are able to give blood to give.

Employees who are able to donate blood are encouraged to learn more and participate.

"Each pint of blood donated today can save up to three lives," said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, 11th Coast Guard District public affairs officer. "This single event could potentially save more than 80 lives, which is an impressive number, even for those of us in a life-saving service such as the Coast Guard."

Safety measures were taken throughout the event to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Learn more about how to give blood and set up an appointment with the American Red Cross.