Coronavirus and Blood Donation

To help our community maintain critical blood supply, we will host our semi-annual blood drive on Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 7:30am – 4:00pm in our Hospital Auditorium. We understand that donating blood during a pandemic may bring you some fear and anxiety, so we're working closely with our partner, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC), to provide you with a safe experience.

Here is what you can expect when you donate:

• Appointments are strongly encouraged! Walk-in donors will only be allowed if safe spacing can be accommodated at the time of arrival.
• You are encouraged to enter the blood drive through the Auditorium entrance to avoid walking through the hospital.
• All donors must wear a mask and have their temperatures taken.
• Donors will be asked screening questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19), including if they have been in contact with anyone diagnosed or suspected of having Coronavirus within the last 14 days.
• Our Auditorium will be set up to accommodate a safe distance between all donors and staff.
• New, unused pens will be provided to donors for the pre-screening questionnaire.
• We will be disinfecting all clipboards and chairs after every use.
• Staff will regularly and frequently disinfect all high touch surfaces like door handles, tables, chairs, and refreshment areas.

Please keep in mind that RIBC only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation – and who meet other eligibility requirements. To protect staff and donors, RIBC is asking donors to self-screen before coming in to donate. Please do not present to donate if you have:

• a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing)
• had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 until 14 days after your illness has resolved

The Rhode Island Blood Center and Sturdy Memorial Hospital will not provide COVID-19 testing at the blood drive. There is also no evidence to show that coronaviruses are transmitted through blood donation or transfusion.

FEMA designates blood centers as essential to patient care and emergency preparedness, therefore donating blood is not considered a social gathering. For more information about the precautions that our Hospital and the Rhode Island Blood Center will be taking at our blood drive, please visit here. We hope you join us!