March is Red Cross Month: donate blood and save a life

It’s that time again to donate blood to the American Red Cross and help save a life.
The next Imperial blood drive will be March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase County Schools auxiliary gym.
The unit goal is 82 this time, said Angie Paisley, school nurse.
As always, donors should wear a face mask when donating blood regardless of their vaccination status.
    Donors should also bring a picture I.D.
    People may still donate after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, but knowing the name of the manufacturer is critical in determining blood donation eligibility.
If you are feeling ill, running a fever or know that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or influenza, do not donate this time, officials said.
For those getting a RapidPass on the day of a blood donation, donors should visit redcross blood.org/rapidpass, complete the questionnaire, then print  the RapidPass and bring it with them.
“It is important to note that those filling out a RapidPass form should do so online on the day of the blood drive,” Paisley said.
    The completed RapidPass form can be shown on a mobile device, as well, when they come to donate, she said.
    It is strongly encouraged that donors make an appointment to give blood, but walk-ins are welcome.
    Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999.
    With the app, donors can schedule appointments, view their blood type, see mini-physical results and track  donations.
Antibodies testing returns
    For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
    In a statement put out by officials, they said, “Throughout the pandemic, the American Red Cross has adapted its collection of lifesaving blood products to meet the needs of all patients, including those battling COVID-19.”
    The recent surge combined with new clinical trial data shows that patients who are immunocompromised may benefit from convalescent plasma, and it has led some of ARC hospital partners to once again request COVID-19 convalescent plasma.
    Results may identify donations with antibody levels necessary to potentially help COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.
    The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness. They screen for antibodies detected in blood.
    The antibody test assesses whether the immune system has responded to the infection or vaccination, not if the virus is currently present.
    The need for blood is constant, and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community, said a Red Cross spokesman.
    Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds, and most people will need blood in their lifetime.
Pitch in, save lives
    During the month of March, all blood donors will receive a $10 e-gift card as a thanks to Red Cross partners at Fanatics.
    Donors’ names will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles, California.