'Critical timeframe:' Red Cross asking for blood donations amid pandemic, ahead of flu season

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations.

The organization is asking anyone who is healthy, to donate as soon as possible.

“Right now, donations are going out the door quicker than they are coming in,” American Red Cross External Communications Manager Laura McGuire said.

With flu season ahead and the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, the need is great.

“We’re getting into a really critical timeframe with the winter months, we have seen many drives canceled due to COVID-19,” McGuire explained.

All donations are being tested for COVID-19 antibodies, which can help people fighting the virus.

“We’re asking those people that have been positively diagnosed with COVID-19 to really think of helping others and passing convalescent plasma along to those that are critically ill,” she said.

At donation centers, measures like temperature checks and social distancing are in place to help keep everyone healthy.

More information, appointment sign-up and a list of donation events can be found on the Red Cross website.