WYOMING — A blood shortage crisis across the U.S. has urged both Republican and Democratic governors to proclaim a state Blood Donation Day, designated for Sept. 4, 2021.
On Saturday, drives will be held across the country with social distancing and COVID measures in place. They can be found by visiting the American Red Cross or Vitalant websites.
“Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 blood products more than expected to meet these needs, significantly decreasing our national blood supply,” said the American Red Cross website.
In response to the blood shortage crisis last year, Wyoming Governor Gordon, along with governors across the United States, honored the request of American Red Cross and blood banks across the country to proclaim a state Blood Donation Day on Sept. 4.
There is no inherent risk of getting coronavirus from the donation procedure itself, according to AABB, a nonprofit representing the blood transfusion field. To minimize the risk of contracting it from others at a blood drive or donation center, Vitalant’s staff follow the most updated CDC guidelines and adhere to rigorous safety and disinfection protocols that include wearing gloves and personal protective gear, wiping down donor-touched areas often and after every collection, using sterile collection sets for every donation/collection, and arm scrubbing for 30 seconds.
It should also be noted that blood donation does not impact or weaken a donor’s immune system. Due to the nature of the virus, it is highly unlikely that it can be transmitted through blood transfusions. There are no reported cases.
On top of Wyoming Blood Donation Day on September 4, National Blood Donation Week is September 1 through September 7.
National Blood Donation Week occurs the first week of September each year during National Preparedness Month.
All donors are encouraged to fill out their Fast Track health history questionnaire on the day of their appointment. Do this online. You can print out your Fast Track ticket at home or have it on your smartphone.
Drives are being held across the country and can be found by visiting the American Red Cross or Vitalant websites. Upcoming local Jackson drives can be found here.
Questions and concerns, especially in light of the current pandemic, are anticipated. Check Vitalent’s FAQ section for answers to commonly asked questions. If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website, please reach out to Sandy Thomas with Vitalant at 307-922-2366.
Last year the FDA stated, “Maintaining adequate levels of our nation’s blood supply is critical. People who donate blood are equivalent to those people who are working in a critical infrastructure industry. In volunteering to do so, they are contributing immeasurably to the public health of our nation.”
