Blood Donation
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling on the public to donate blood to assure the stability of blood supplies in the country amidst the battle of the swelling cases of the pandemic coronavirus.

The U.S. FDA launched a campaign to combat the fear of donating blood. There is no evidence yet that blood donation can put a person at risk for COVID-19. 

The campaign was announced after the number of blood supplies in the country started to deplete. FDA reported recently that blood donations in the past few weeks started to drop and this limits the nation's blood supply which is very essential most especially for those who need a blood transfusion. 

In a recently published article, Director of the FDA's Biologics Evaluation and Research Dr. Peter Marks that there is a need to turning out in force to give blood. One reason that hinders people's blood donation is because of the fear that they may be easily infected by the coronavirus. 

However, Dr. Marks clarified that "The coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives."

He also added that people should come out and donate blood because if blood stocks started to reduce than their average amount then there is a big possibility that surgeries will be canceled. This problem is something that the FDA does not want to happen.

The stand of Dr. Marks that donating blood amidst the pandemic coronavirus is supported by the assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Admiral Brett Giroir. He said that blood donation is safe and healthy individuals can donate blood by scheduling an appointment to make sure that there are enough blood supplies for those who need it the most.

Another reason seen why there is a decrease in blood donation because people avoid being exposed to mass gatherings such as public blood donation held by government and non-government organizations.

Moreover, the chief executive of America's Blood Centers Katy Fry asserted that blood donors are needed now more than ever. She also said that coronavirus heightens the country to donate more blood before the worst things happen. 

For Chris Hroudam, president of Biomedical Services for the American Red Cross, he said that they are doing everything to ensure the blood supplies in the country even though there is a massive cancellation of blood drives in the country. However, he also said that if this cancellation continues, they are going to reach an inventory that they have not seen in the past.

CEO of AABB Debra BenAvram also stressed the need for blood donations and stability in the country. She said that a patient needs a blood transfusion every two seconds in the United States. 

In response to this seemingly a growing problem in the country, the Armed Services Blood Program Col. Audra L. Taylor said that they are always ready to donate blood. He also asked those who are still able to donate to come out and help the FDA.