50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

Blood banks urging donors to give amid coronavirus

Posted at 3:46 PM, Mar 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-14 16:02:52-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Blood banks from around the country are urging people to donate blood. Since the spread of the COVID-19, blood centers say they've seen a significant drop in donations this past week.

Blood banks are asking organizations to not cancel their blood drives, and donors to keep their appointments.

“We need people to prevent the blood supply from getting depleted. We need it not to get to the point that surgeries are having to get canceled.” That’s something we absolutely do not want to have happen. To ensure an adequate blood supply we need people to come out and donate blood”, said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“It is safe to donate blood,” said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Part of preparedness includes a robust blood supply. Healthy individuals should schedule an appointment to donate today to ensure that blood is available for those patients who need it,” said Giroir.

To make an appointment to donate in Western New York visit www.ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org or call 716.529.4270.