Blood drives have been cancelled all over because of the COVID-19 situation. However, in Clinton County, those drives have expanded and there are now more than 80 on the schedule.
The latest was held Friday at Faith Family Church at 508 W. Green St. in Frankfort. And, even though the numbers weren’t quite as expected (all appointments were filled and walk-ins were taken when slots became available), the drive went on.
“We’re a little bit low on people this morning,” said Libbi Smith, who is Early Start Coordinator for Healthy Communities and the Clinton County Family Planning and Reproductive Health. “I think they’re scared to come or nervous. We also had some confusion with some appointments that got emailed that looked like it was cancelled since we changed the location. We’re still having people show up to donate which is good because there’s still a big need out there.”
Smith acknowledged the blood supply is a little behind because of the drive cancellations. However, they have been able to get supplies back up because a lot of elective surgeries which would have used some of the blood supply has been cancelled which now allows that blood to be used to help those who are sick.
Smith added blood drives are a lot safer now than in the past.
“The virus isn’t passed on through the blood,” said Smith. “So, you’re not going to give it to somebody else or anything like that. Plus the Red Cross has put in some new policies and procedures that they’re doing. We’re doing temperature checks before anybody goes in. Actually, we’re doing more protective stuff than we have in the past.”
The next blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Faith Family Church. For more information, call 765-659-6063.