Blood Center in immediate need of donors

(Image via Shutterstock)

By STHS Communications Department

Restaurants and other local businesses aren’t the only ones being impacted by efforts to contain the current outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. So is The Blood Center, which has had 79 blood drives canceled in recent weeks, leaving local hospitals in a potentially precarious position ahead of what is expected to be a nationwide surge of coronavirus patients.

For that reason, Blood Center officials are issuing a call to local donors to roll up their sleeves and make an appointment to give blood.

A recent join statement by the American Red Cross and a number of blood bank organizations noted that the blood donation process doesn’t pose any known risks to blood donors – including from COVID-19.

“We’re seeing cancellations and a rapidly decreasing number of blood donors right now,” said Dr. Tim Peterson, medical director of The Blood Center. “There’s concern over the coronavirus, but hospitals face a bigger problem if there’s no blood available. We’re also urging the public to follow the personal hygiene protocol suggested by the CDC, but also schedule an appointment to give blood.”

You can schedule a donation online at TheBloodCenter.org or by calling 800-86-BLOOD.

Below, find addresses and hours of local Blood Center locations.

People exhibiting flu-like symptoms – including fever, cough or sore throat – should not donate.

Mandeville
4350 Highway 22, Suite K
(985) 377-7007

• Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fridays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Slidell
1337 Gause Blvd., Ste. 106
(985) 641-4400

• Mondays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesdays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bogalusa
324 Austin St.
(985) 735-7141

• Mondays and Wednesdays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hammond
1116 McKaskle Drive
(985) 340-2320

• Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fridays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.