Centura Calls for Blood Donations During Critical State Shortage

(ENGLEWOOD, COLO.) Centura Health, the region’s health care leader, is partnering with Vitalant to host mobile blood drives across Colorado in response to the state’s decline in routine donations as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
 
Due to increased precautions around social distancing, local blood centers anticipate a 20% decline in donations this week alone, and up to a 35% decline in the coming weeks. It is important to note that blood donation is not considered a large social gathering, and individuals who are well and healthy can safely donate blood. Having a well-stocked inventory of blood products is crucial for health care facilities, as trauma, cancer and sickle cell patients routinely benefit from blood donations.
 
This series of blood drives kicks off on Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Centura Health’s Longmont United Hospital with a bloodmobile in the parking lot. Please refer to the Centura Health website for additional opportunities go give across the Denver metro area.
 
The blood collection process is safe, and Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols on their bloodmobiles and in their donation centers. While individuals should avoid donating if they have had COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone suspected of having a COVID-19 infection, giving blood has no impact on the donor’s immune system. 
 
To learn more about the donation process, donor eligibility requirements or to schedule an appointment at one of our mobile sites, visit vitalant.org. Centura Health is working daily with Vitalant to establish donation sites across Colorado including churches for easy access of donors. Donations by appointment only, no walk-ins.
 
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“Blood donations remain a critically important resource in health care. While social distancing measures are increasing across our state, it is still safe to donate blood and the demand for blood products is crucial at this time,” said Shauna Gulley, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Centura Health. “We call upon individuals who are healthy and able to donate. One hour spent donating blood could save a life.”

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ABOUT CENTURA HEALTH
Centura Health connects individuals, families and neighborhoods across Colorado and western Kansas with more than 6,000 physicians and 21,000 of the best hearts and minds in health care. Through our 17 hospitals, two senior living communities, neighborhood health centers, physician practices and clinics, home care and hospice services, and Flight For Life® Colorado, our caregivers make the region’s best health care accessible. We’re on a mission to build flourishing communities and whole person care. We’re Centura Health, and we’re your dedicated health partner for life. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit the Centura Health website.