Blood shortage: Local giving opportunities

The American Red Cross is reporting a blood shortage across the country and in response several organizations are hosting blood drives in Dubois County.

• YMCA Ferdinand – April 3 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• Dubois Community Park Center – April 8 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• St Anthony Community Center – April 9 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Redemption Christian Church – April 23 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Dubois County Fairgrounds- April 21 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

All sign ups are at www.redcrossblood.org for each drive.

Added safety precautions in place for blood drives are as include the following:

• Temperature screenings — All donors have their temperature taken before being permitted into the blood drive. If a donor has a temperature greater than 99.5ºF they will be asked to donate another time
• Enhanced disinfecting — Hand sanitizer will be available at check-in, health history and refreshment areas. Blood donors will be asked to use hand sanitizer before and during the donation process. Donor beds will be sanitized between each and every donor
• Social distancing — we’re taking extra measures to institute medically-recommended 6ft space.
• All staff have their temperature taken before beginning work and are asked not to report for work if they are feeling sick or test above 99.5ºF
• Staff wear gloves throughout the entire blood drive, changing gloves between every donor.