Children’s  Hospital Blood Drive, March 19

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, blood drives across the country have been canceled, resulting in a tremendous loss of blood donations that are vital to supporting our healthcare system. Our local Blood Center has had 79 blood drives cancel, resulting in a loss of critical blood supply for our region, including Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Hospital will be supporting the Blood Center by holding a blood drive in the Children’s Hospital Conference Center at 210 State St. tomorrow. Staff and providers who are feeling well are encouraged to participate, in addition to community members. Participants can participate simply by showing up any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The safety of donors, patients and staff has always been a top priority of the Blood Center. Current and first time donors are encouraged to donate so a sufficient blood supply is there when patients need it. The Blood Center’s existing medical question process includes taking the donor’s temperature, asking if they have been out of the country and are feeling well before donors are accepted. In addition, ample space will be created between donation spaces to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Thank you in advance for supporting this vital need.