Health & Fitness
Fredericksburg-Area Libraries Host Emergency Blood Drives
The Red Cross is holding blood drives at the Porter Branch library on Thursday and at the Howell Branch library on Thursday, April 30.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The American Red Cross is holding two blood drives at Central Rappahannock Regional Library branches in response to a severe blood shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many blood drives have been canceled in response to concerns about containing the spread of the coronavirus.
At the two blood drives, the Red Cross will be following social distancing practices between donors, including donor beds. Blankets typically used by platelet, Power Red and AB Elite donors at Red Cross blood donation centers will be laundered after each use. Donors are encouraged to bring their own blankets.
Staff will be wearing face masks. Also, all donors are required to wear a face covering or mask. If donors do not bring one, a mask will be provided to them.
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All CRRL branches have been closed for the past month. But the two branches are opening their meeting rooms for the blood drives.
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The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive Thursday at the Porter Branch library from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Porter Branch is located at 2001 Parkway Blvd. in Stafford. A second blood drive will be held at CRRL's Howell Branch at 806 Lyons Blvd. in Fredericksburg on Thursday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit What to know about the Coronavirus and Blood Donation for more details, to schedule an appointment, and for information about additional area blood drives.
During the blood drive, only the branch meeting room will be open. The rest of the building will not be accessible to the public. Donors should not bring library materials with them for return at either branch during the blood drives. All materials can be returned when libraries reopen and no late fees will be charged.
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