The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients as the U.S. braces for flu season while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. There is no risk of transmitting the influenza virus after receiving a flu vaccination.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knob Noster High School, 504 S. Washington in Knob Noster.
Nov. 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Jamestown Community Center, 130 E. Row St. in Jamestown.
Nov. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 297 NW 40 Rd. in Clinton.
Nov. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1515 SE state Route DD in Warrensburg.
Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Clinton High School, 1106 S. Second St. in Clinton.
Nov. 6 from noon 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1201 W. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia.
Nov. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Providence School House, 13247 state Route E in Versailles.
Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at University of Central Missouri, 511 S. Holden St. in Warrensburg.
