The Red Cross practices coronavirus safety protocols during blood donations. (photo courtesy of the Red Cross)

The American Red Cross and the National Football League are teaming up this January during National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage. According to the Red Cross, donors are needed to help hospital patients.

“Blood and plasma donors who have recovered from COVID-19 may have the power to help critically ill patients currently battling the virus,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, Red Cross medical director of clinical services. “With hospital distributions for convalescent plasma increasing about 250% since October, these generous donations are vital in helping to save lives throughout the winter – a time that is often challenging to collect enough blood products for those in need.”

As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product. COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to make a game-changing difference in the lives of COVID-19 patients – scientists believe that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their plasma that could provide a patient’s immune system the boost it needs to beat the virus.

Those who donate blood or platelets this month will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. In addition, those who come to give before Jan. 20 will also be automatically entered to win the Big Game at Home package for a special viewing experience safely at home that includes a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. 

Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting redcrossblood.org, using the Red Cross blood donor app or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

For more information, visit redcross.org.