Blood Drive Set For Saturday In Cornelius: Event Details

CORNELIUS, NC — A blood drive is set for Saturday, June 18 in Cornelius. The Lake Norman Community Blood Drive event is set to run from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.at the Harris Teeter Plaza in Antiquity, located at 21720 Catawba Avenue.

Appointments may be made here, and walk-ins are welcome.

Earlier this year, the American Red Cross reported a severe blood shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible to donate, the best thing to do is contact your local blood center.