From American Red Cross: The Heartbeat

Naugatuck CT

22 February, 2021

2:41 PM

Description

February is the month of love! We could all use a bit more kindness these days, so we are sharing our love and appreciation for all of our amazing volunteers and blood donors. Read on for the latest stories and updates of giving straight from the heart. The Red Cross Celebrates Black History MonthEvery February, we recognize the many Black Americans who have been a part of our lifesaving mission since our organization began. Famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass supported Red Cross founder Clara Barton in her efforts to establish the Red Cross and became a founding member himself. In 1915, Frances Elliott Davis became the first African American Red Cross nurse to join the organization. In 1940, Dr. Charles Drew started American Red Cross blood banking. The world-renowned Holland Research Laboratory is named for Dr. Jerome Holland, an educator and former U.S. Ambassador who was appointed to the Red Cross Board of Governors. Help us honor these and other invaluable employees, donors, and volunteers by making a blood donation. Learn More Donate in February to Receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card*Brrr! It's cold out there! The days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, but you can feel a little warmer knowing that you helped a patient in need. When you come to give blood by Feb. 28, our partners at Amazon would like to show their appreciation with a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card* by email.** Make an Appointment The Red Cross is Testing for COVID-19 AntibodiesThe Red Cross continues to test all blood product donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from antibody-positive blood donations may be used to help coronavirus patients in need. With COVID-19 cases rising, the demand for convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients has created a shortage. If you had a verified COVID-19 diagnosis and have fully recovered, the plasma in your blood is urgently needed! To learn more about Convalescent Plasma, click here. Learn More Thank you to our generous partners for their support of our COVID-19 antibody testing initiative. Who Does Convalescent Plasma Help?Convalescent plasma helps patients like Zachary. After being diagnosed with COVID-19, Zachary's condition worsened, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit at the local hospital. When Zachary's vitals became unstable, he was placed on a respiratory machine and doctors ordered convalescent plasma to assist in his recovery. After receiving convalescent plasma, Zachary's condition immediately improved and he was soon released. Now he's committed to giving his own plasma to help others battling the virus. We're glad you're feeling better, Zachary! Learn More Show Your Love with a Blood Donation!Celebrate the month of love with a blood donation, just like married couple Mike and Darlene! Mike and Darlene are retired law enforcement officers in North Carolina who have been donating blood through the American Red Cross for the past 30 years! They make it a point to give together. When asked why they keep coming back, Darlene responded, "What better gift can you give than the gift of life by donating your blood?" We're grateful for Mike and Darlene and their dedication to serving their community as blood donors. What better way to spend quality time together while doing good for someone else? To book your blood donation date with someone you love, click here. Make a Date Unlock the Latest Badges from Our AppDid you know you can now collect and show off badges from the Red Cross Blood Donor App? When you log on, you'll see an icon for "Badges" at the bottom of your screen. Once you click, you can select a badge and book your appointment to earn it! You can collect a Black History badge when you donate this month. Collect as many as you can and show them off! You're a star! Download Make 2021 the Year You VolunteerThe need for blood is constant — as is the need for volunteers to help with blood drives and deliveries. It's never too late to start volunteering! Follow the link to sign up for our most urgent volunteer opportunities. Sign up to make a difference! Learn More If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, knowing the name of the manufacturer is critical in determining your blood donation eligibility. In most cases, there's no deferral time if you receive a vaccine. All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Results available within one to two weeks via your donor account on both RedCrossBlood.org and the Blood Donor App. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. In accordance with CDC guidelines, all donors are required to wear a face covering or mask. Valve face masks are not permitted. Face shields can be worn in addition to face masks but not as a substitute.