Help During Coronavirus: Where To Give Blood Near Towson

TOWSON, MD — Giving blood is one way people can help out during the coronavirus pandemic. People may leave their homes to give blood, according to the governor, who this week issued a stay-at-home order.

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.

People can schedule appointments online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Here are some blood drives near Perry Hall with appointments available as of publication:

• April 15 — Parkville Recreational Center, 8601 Harford Rd., Parkville
• April 17 — Timonium Blood Donation Center, 2405 York Rd., Suite 300, Lutherville
• April 21 — Upper Cross Roads Baptist Church, 2717 Greene Rd., Baldwin

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.

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:

• 'Severe Blood Shortage:' Red Cross Needs Donations Amid Outbreak
• MD Coronavirus: Governor Hogan Issues Stay-At-Home Order