DYK there is a need for blood donations nationwide? The need has increased as COVID-19 has forced blood drives to cancel and social distancing has slowed the process. Locally, American Red Cross leaders recently said they have an “urgent need” for donors due to a low donor turnout + a recent trauma in the service area. They are also seeking plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. Read more about that here.

Here’s what you need to know about donating blood now. 👇

Is it safe to donate blood during a pandemic?

Yes, but don’t go if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. According to the FDA, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 due to blood donation or transfusion. Don’t forget to wear your mask.

Where can I donate?

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has a donation center in Asheville that is accepting appointments for blood donation.

○ Asheville Donation Center, 100 Edgewood Rd.

It also has mobile drives happening throughout the month in locations across Asheville:

7/22/2020: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., MAHEC – Biltmore Campus, 121 Hendersonville Rd.

7/24/2020: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd.

7/29/2020: 7 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St.

7/29/2020: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Biltmore Park Town Square, 8 Town Square Blvd. #170, Ste. 110

Pro tip: Donate in the month of July and you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win a Wonder Woman 1984 movie prop replica set.

The Blood Connection

The South Asheville location is open seven days a week and accepts both blood + platelet donations.

○ The Blood Connection, 225 New Airport Rd.

The Blood Connection also has mobile drives happening throughout the month at multiple spots in and around Asheville and they accept blood, red cells, platelet, and plasma donations. Donors receive reward points, which can be redeemed for an e-gift card of their choice. Find them here.

Am I eligible?

You must be at least 17 years old + weigh more than 110 pounds to donate. If you are 16 (and over 110 pounds) you can donate with one-time parental consent.

You also must be in good health to donate blood. Click here for a rundown of eligibility requirements.

What happens during the donation process?

After making an appointment via the donation site’s website or phone, you can show up to the center where you made an appointment at your appointment time.

When you get there, you’ll be signed in and asked to show a valid ID (a driver’s license works). After having your temperature screened, you’ll be asked a few survey questions about possible exposure to COVID-19. If you pass the screening and survey q’s, there will be a few questions about your health history — like medications + recent travel — and then you will be ready to start.

The donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes, and you’ll be allowed to rest a bit and given refreshments afterward. 🙌 And if you take along your boo thing or spot a cutie on site, you can recreate Brenda + Dylan’s iconic Valentine’s Day blood donation date.

Pro tip: Both the Red Cross + Blood Connection are testing for COVID-19 antibodies. Tell someone at the time of your appointment if you’d like to do this.

Be bloody cool and share this life-saving info with your family + friends using the links below. 👇