In the US alone, more than 100,000 blood donations have gone uncollected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The necessary social distancing measures have had the unfortunate side effect of cancelling blood drives worldwide, which collect a huge proportion of blood available to hospitals. There is currently a critical shortage of blood everywhere. When hospitals don't have blood, life-saving procedures cannot take place, and people die.

In this pandemic, we must all do our part. Health workers work tirelessly on the front lines every day to help during the crisis. They need our support. By donating blood, we can do our part too. COVID-19 will cause countless deaths. Let's stop the preventable ones from happening, together. A single blood donation can save up to three lives. You must be 17 years old to donate blood, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, and there is no upper age limit for blood donation. 

Please, make an appointment at your local blood collection center today. These centers follow the highest standards of safety, including disinfecting surfaces between patients, wearing gloves and changing gloves often, providing hand sanitizer, checking temperature of staff and donors, and spacing beds 6ft apart. They also encourage donors to make appointments ahead of time so that social distancing guidelines can be followed.

Especially if you have fully recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating blood plasma at this time. People who have fully recovered have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients seriously ill with COVID-19. 

If you are at home, take this opportunity to go outside and do something that helps everyone. Sign this petition as a promise to make your appointment and donate blood, as well as spread the word to others. Share this petition with your friends, family, and anyone who could be eligible for donating blood.

See redcrossblood.org for more information, or google "donate blood" to find centers in your area. 

We have the power to make a difference.