Blood donations still needed amid COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine began being distributed across the country about 2 weeks ago. Although, blood is still needed to get through this pandemic. COVID-19 has caused a major blood shortage for organizations like Vitalant and the need is even greater during the holidays. The Mash Bash Blood Drive is held once a year and this year more blood donations are needed due to COVID-19.

“We hope to see over 200 donors in one day. In its heyday, this drive drew over 400 donors and it usually guided around 350 pints," said Vitalant Donor Recruitment Representative John Pace. "It really hurt it when they moved it before Christmas, but now that they've moved it back after Christmas, we’re hoping for big things again.”

Pace says even though the COVID-19 vaccine is beginning to be a resource for the pandemic, blood is still needed and also for general needs.

“Not only are we seeing a huge spike in COVID, but you have your general blood needs are very high during the holidays due to accidents and incidents," said Pace.

Donors are encouraged to give blood if they’ve previously had COVID-19. The plasma they give can be used to help someone else that has the virus. If you're not sure if you have COVID-19, they can determine that as well during the drive.

“If you’ve had COVID and you’ve had a negative test--be cleaned, you can come give the plasma which helps the sickest of individuals who are in ICU and everything that has shown the benefit of the plasma," said Pace.

Pace says more blood donation drives will be operated in January in surrounding counties of Lauderdale County.