Where To Donate Blood Around Long Branch Amid Coronavirus Crisis

LONG BRANCH, NJ — The U.S. blood supply is facing a unique and unprecedented shortage in the wake of the ongoing new coronavirus pandemic. Donations from healthy people in Long Branch, Eatontown and other communities are needed now more than ever to avoid another health care crisis, according to two of the nation's leading blood banks.

Why is it unprecedented? Unlike most crises, which tend to impact the blood supply in specific cities or regions, the coronavirus outbreak is affecting the supply for the entire nation.

In March, the American Red Cross said more than 2,500 blood drives were canceled nationwide because of concerns about gathering in groups at workplaces, colleges and schools. The organization also estimates the cancellations resulted in 86,000 fewer blood donations.

Despite fear over donating blood amid the coronavirus pandemic, it remains safe to do so, according to America's Blood Centers, whose facilities — in addition to those operated by the Red Cross — are implementing increased social distancing measures and infection control protocols.

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Here's where you can schedule an appointment to donate blood around Long Branch and Eatontown:

• American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter; 1540 W. Park Ave., Tinton Falls; 3-8 p.m. April 28
• Westminster Presbyterian Church; 94 Tindall Rd., Middletown; 3-8 p.m. May 7
• Colts Neck Reformed Church; 139 Route 537, Colts Neck; 3:30-8:30 p.m. May 13
• American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter; 1540 W. Park Ave., Tinton Falls; 2-7 p.m. May 26

Click here to set up an appointment.

Here's what else we know about donating blood in the time of the new coronavirus, according to the Red Cross and America's Blood Centers:

• Blood donation occurs in a controlled environment with trained staff, and is recognized as an essential activity amid stay-at-home orders.

• Blood donation is not considered a mass gathering or a social event, but donors are asked to make appointments to donate blood in advance to assist with social distancing efforts at blood centers.

• At America's Blood Centers, each donor goes through a mini physical that includes a temperature check. Those donating at a Red Cross event are also checked for increased temperature.

• There is no known risk of transmitting the coronavirus through blood transfusion, even if individuals are asymptomatic.

• You cannot get tested for the coronavirus at a blood donation center.

• You can donate blood every eight weeks (or 56 days) and apheresis platelets every seven days up to 24 times per year.

America's Blood Centers encourages all healthy and eligible people who are feeling well to consider donating blood. Do not donate blood if you are feeling ill, have the coronavirus or have been in contact with anyone who may potentially have the coronavirus.

The Red Cross also said you should not donate within 28 days of traveling to China, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea.
If you have questions about whether you are eligible to donate, the best thing to do is contact your local blood center.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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