Help During Coronavirus: Where To Give Blood In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Giving blood is one way people can help out during the coronavirus public health crisis, Gov. Larry Hogan said Monday, announcing his stay-at-home order in Maryland. People may leave their homes to give blood, according to the governor.

Blood donations help provide transfusions for surgeries, victims of car crashes, cancer patients and other emergency situations.

"As the coronavirus pandemic has grown here in the U.S., we have seen blood drive cancellations grow at an alarming rate," the American Red Cross said in a statement Monday. More than 10,000 Red Cross blood drive were canceled nationwide as of March 27, the organization said, leading to 300,000 fewer blood donations than it anticipated.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Red Cross is requiring donors and staff to take special precautions, including temperature screening, social distancing throughout the donation process and enhanced disinfecting procedures. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the donation process.

Upcoming blood drives are booked at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Richlin Ballroom and the Bel Air Armory in the coming weeks. But there are several drives planned in and around Bel Air, and people can schedule appointments online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Here are some blood drives near Bel Air with appointments available as of publication:

• April 17 — Knights of Columbus, 23 Newport Dr., Forest Hill
• April 21 — Upper Cross Roads Baptist Church, 2717 Greene Rd., Baldwin
• April 22 — St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1200 Churchville Rd., Bel Air
• April 22 — Aberdeen IronBirds, 873 Long Dr., Aberdeen
• April 23 — Knights of Columbus, 23 Newport Dr., Forest Hill
• April 22 — Darlington Volunteer Fire Company, 2600 Castleton Rd., Darlington

Only donors with appointments will be seen.

See eligibility requirements to give blood outlined by the Red Cross.

People can also volunteer to help the Red Cross in other ways like volunteer coordination, public relations, blood donation transportation and others.

See Also:

• Bel Air Coronavirus: Armory Closed, May Be Used By Red Cross
• MD Coronavirus: Governor Hogan Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• 'Severe Blood Shortage:' Red Cross Needs Donations Amid Outbreak