Donating blood exempt from stay-at-home order
The Community Blood Center in Dayton is sending an urgent reminder that donors can leave home to give blood. Photo: Mayor Nan Whaley donating blood on March 18, 2020
Donating blood exempt from stay-at-home order
The Community Blood Center is sending an urgent reminder to the public that blood donors are exempt from the Ohio Department of Health Stay at Home Order and are free to leave their homes to donate blood.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a significant drop in blood donations nationwide, and donors are being urged to make an appointment to donate.
Individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 through the blood donation process or via a blood transfusion, since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by donation or by transfusion.
"We need donors. We have to protect the supply, and it’s safe to donate," said Community Blood Center spokesman Mark Pompilio.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley is an experienced blood donor and last Wednesday marked her one-gallon donation milestone. She said no one should be afraid to donate.
"I know when you go to donate blood it’s probably the cleanest place, even before the virus hit," she said while encouraging people to donate.
"Look, this is something you can do to make a difference and help your community," said Mayor Whaley. "It doesn’t cost you any money, just an hour of your time and right now some people have some time."
The CBC is urging donors to make an appointment to donate to maintain a safe environment at blood drives.
"Spacing donors through appointments maintains social distancing by reducing wait time and congregating." the CBC said in a Facebook post.
You can make an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or by calling (937) 461-3220.
