Every three seconds, someone needs a blood donation. Holy Family Memorial is partnering with Versiti BloodCenter of Wisconsin to address that need through a blood drive on Tuesday, October 20, from 2-7 p.m. at the HFM Medical Center, 2300 Western Avenue, Manitowoc. Blood donations are especially needed now as blood supplies are low due to reduced donations since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Individuals must be 16 years or older to donate blood. Individuals who are 16 years old must be in general good health and meet the general criteria to donate with parental consent. Donors are advised to bring a photo ID or blood donor card, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Donors will have their temperature checked at the door and are required to wear a mask.
Donors who are not feeling well or have tested positive for COVID-19 should not schedule an appointment to donate blood until they are symptom-free for 14 days and feeling well and healthy.
Versiti will perform antibody testing on all successfully completed blood donations as part of their standard testing. The test will inform donors if they have antibodies reflective of a prior CVOID-19 infection and is not to inform donors if they currently have COVID-19.
Donation stations will use appropriate social distancing. Appointments are required to ensure social distancing can be maintained. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit hfmhealth.org/blood-drive or call (920) 320-2243.