The blood drive that was scheduled on Asbury’s campus March 24 was canceled on March 12 due to the extension of spring break and spread of COVID-19.
Due to worldwide quarantines there have been limited supplies on items ranging from toilet paper even to blood. The American Red Cross is still urging those who are healthy to donate what they can.
“Blood drives continue to be canceled at an alarming rate, many patients are still in great need of sufficient blood supply throughout the many weeks of this crisis and beyond,” said the Red Cross. Healthy individuals are needed and encouraged to schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead to help patients.”
Although the idea of social distancing heavily encourages people to remain six feet apart from others, the U.S. Surgeon General said, “You can still give blood. We are worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing doesn’t mean social disengagement.”
With the shutdown of Asbury’s campus, as well as a multitude of other universities nationwide, the impact causes great concern. According to the Community Blood Center website, blood drives at universities, businesses, places of worship and civic organizations account for half of all donations nationwide.
This kind of blood shortage is nothing new in the U.S, but in this time of crisis and pandemic it raises extra concerns, among which are overcrowded hospitals and patients needing blood.According to an email from Asbury’s Health Services, students in the Lexington area who were signed up to participate in Asbury’s drive and are still interested in donating can contact the Kentucky Blood Center at https://kybloodcenter.org/contact-us/ or call (859) 276-2534 or 1-800-775-2522 to make an appointment.
