'Urgent Need' For Blood Donations Amid Coronavirus Fears

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Blood Center is in "urgent need" of healthy donors as fears of the new coronavirus grow. With several organizations already canceling planned blood drives, there are concerns over a depleted blood supply in the region.

Approximately half of the blood donation in the area come from community-hosted blood drives, the blood center said, while the rest comes from donors who give at a donation center. Several drives planned for March have already been canceled, which the blood center said poses a "significant threat" to the blood supply.

Because blood is perishable, it is incredibly important to maintain a fresh supply, which must be replenished frequently to ensure there is enough to meet the demand, the RIBC's Senior Executive Director, Beau Tompkins, said.

"Every donation at every blood drive and our six centers is critical," Tompkins said. "As healthy, eligible donors, we have a responsibility to ourselves, our families and our communities to keep the blood supply safe and robust. A resilient healthcare system is more important than ever, and we’re counting on everyone to help maintain that."

In the event of more coronavirus-related cancellations, the center is looking to double its current reserves of blood. Despite the ongoing fears about the virus, blood donation is safe, the organization said. Anyone who is healthy can do so without fear, as staff are trained in protocols to avoid transmitting disease and are frequently disinfecting public surfaces.

As is always the case, anyone who has a cold, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or a respiratory infection cannot give blood. In addition, those who have traveled to an area where COVID-19 has spread or come in contact with someone with the virus have been asked to refrain from donation as well.

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