Blood Drive at the Sandy Library!

Did you know that you can get a COVID-19 test by donating blood? Two good things in one act.

To schedule your appointment or for more information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org; Sponsor Code: SandyLibrary

On June 15, the American Red Cross will begin testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

• The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.

• The Red Cross hopes testing for COVID-19 antibodies will provide our valued donors insight into whether they may have been exposed to this coronavirus.

• We recognize that individuals and public health organizations desire more information about COVID-19, and as an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is fortunate to be able to help during this pandemic. To protect the health and safety of our staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well postpone donation.

• The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test, and a positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity.

• Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 28 days.

• Blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. If you are feeling well, please schedule an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Antibody test results will be available within 7 to 10 days.

• All Red Cross donors need to schedule an appointment prior to arrival, and will be required to wear a face mask or covering while at the blood drive or donation center. Donors are encouraged to bring their own face mask or covering.

• Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test through our Red Cross Blood Donor App or on our donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

• This is the time to take care of one another, and blood donation is essential to ensuring the health of those in our community.

• There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and we need the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

• Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.”