Pictured is Clermont Sun Editor Brett Milam, who went to his local Hoxworth Blood Center in Tri-County in Butler County on March 21, 2020, and donated red blood cells. 

By Brett Milam
Editor

During the coronavirus pandemic, Hoxworth Blood Center said they need blood “now more than ever.”

Alecia Lipton, spokesperson for the center, said the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in dozens of canceled blood drives.

“Hoxworth, and other blood centers across the United States, desperately need to recoup these lost donations that will be needed for traumas and patients with cancer. There is no artificial substitute for blood, and we are asking all healthy individuals to donate now so that we can be prepared for anything over the next several weeks,” she said.

In addition to offering support for cancer patients, blood transfusions are needed for organ recipients, trauma victims, women in childbirth, and patients with sickle cell disease, among other conditions.

To meet the demand of local hospitals, Hoxworth has to collect a minimum of 400 units of blood and 40 units of platelets every day.

On March 22 and effective March 23, Ohio is under a “stay-at-home” order, but that doesn’t affect blood donation since blood donation is deemed essential, Cara Nicolas, Hoxworth spokesperson explained.

Nicolas also said there’s no evidence right now that COVID-19 can be transmitted through blood transfusion.

Generally speaking, the Food and Drug Administration said respiratory viruses are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion. 

Hoxworth also uses sterile methods for blood collection, always, Nicolas said.

“All of us at Hoxworth know that these are unprecedented times; please rest assured that the safety of our donors is a top priority as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure a safe and comfortable donation process,” she said.

Nicolas said all Hoxworth staff that come in contact with donors will be wearing masks and gloves, with those gloves regularly changed. All solid surfaces are wiped down and sanitized between each donor. 

Additionally, every person who enters one of the donation centers will have their temperature checked. Any employee or volunteer with a temperature of 99.4 degree Fahrenheit or higher will be asked to go home immediately. 

Social distancing is also being practiced at the centers, with chairs rearranged to prevent direct contact between donors. 

“We also have the ability to have donors wait in their cars following registration, and we can then text or call them when it is their turn to donate,” Nicolas said.

Editor’s Note: On March 22, I donated blood at the Tri-County location in Butler County, and can attest that these measures were taken. All of the staff wore masks and gloves. A number of the chairs had signs that said, “Do not sit here,” to ensure social distancing. The chair I donated in was wiped down prior to me sitting in it. And a few of the would-be donors waited in their vehicles.

While individuals can sign up to donate whole blood or platelets, Nicolas said they are trying to stock up on red cells, so that they can “meet the needs of the community in these somewhat uncertain times.”

“Red blood cells can be on the shelf for 42 days, so building a healthy supply now will help us for weeks,” she said. “Platelets are also an essential component since they have a shelf life of only five days.”

Despite COVID-19 causing cancelations and a change in day-to-day life, Nicolas said Hoxworth has seen a higher turnout in donors in recent days. 

“The Cincinnati community really came out in full force to answer our call — it appears that people want to do something to help in this time of uncertainty,” she said. “The need will continue, though, so we are still asking eligible donors to come out and donate if they are healthy and can safely make it to a donor center.”

Donors can call 513-451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org to schedule a donation.