Our local blood bank, Bloodwork Northwest, has reached a critically low supply of blood, which is an inventory of under a 24-hour supply. Oregon and Washington hospitals regular, daily blood use has increased by 10-18%, while the rate of no-shows donors at Blood Northwest is the worst since the onset of the pandemic.
Considering the pandemic, several questions of eligibility to become a donor came to the forefront.
The blood bank states that there is no waiting period to observe between receiving any of the four COVID-19 vaccines and giving blood.
According to a Federal Drug Administration statement from April 2, 2020, there are revised recommendations for reducing the risk of transferring blood-linked disease. With respect to HIV concerns and malaria concerns, deferral has been reduced from 12 to 3 months from the date of potential infection. With respect to risk of transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease by blood and blood components — which pertains to persons spending time in certain European countries, the deferrals have been eliminated.
To schedule a donation via the Red Cross Blood Drive at Church of Good Samaritan in Corvallis, call 800-RED-CROSS. At present, same-day draw appointments are possible, while drop-ins are not. Blood types O and A are of particular demand.
By Joanna Rosinska
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