Latest Vernon Blood Drive To Include Antibody Testing

VERNON, CT — The latest blood drive in Vernon since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic will feature antibody testing.

The latest blood drive is slated for Friday, July 31 and it marks the third time Mayor Daniel Champagne and the Vernon Town Council have teamed up with American Red Cross Blood Drive.

The Red Cross has asked the Town of Vernon to host the third blood drive based on the success of the previous two.

This time, the Red Cross will be performing free virus antibody testing on donated blood as an additional service, offricials said. The Red Cross will provide the antibody results directly to donors at no cost.

The blood drives and weekly testing have been part of the Vernon’s comprehensive coronavirus pandemic "response and recovery strategy." The blood drive is being coordinated by Dawn Maselek, Vernon’s Assistant Town Administrator.

The blood drive is scheduled for July 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vernon Senior Center, 135 Bolton Road. Donations are by appointment only and donors can register online at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code TOV. Donors can register by phone by calling 800-733-2767.

Viris public health precautions will be strictly enforced, including social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment.