By NALANI BEVER
Wilton blood-drive coordinator
The severe blood shortage continues, as well over 75,000 blood drives have been canceled throughout the United States.
The Wilton Community Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 7–11:30 a.m. Our goal is 80 units, but we can do better with your help. While we are accepting walk-ins, we really appreciate appointments being made. To do so, please call the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767, or go to their website atwww.redcrossblood.org. You may also contact Nalani Bever at (608) 387-2311.
We also urge you to consider going online to complete the Rapid Pass. This may not be completed until the morning of the drive. Be sure to use Wilton’s zip code, 54670, when completing the requested information.
The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for Covid-19 antibodies. This testing may provide critical insight into whether donors may have possibly been exposed to this coronavirus. The Red Cross is committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic.
An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood that are formed when fighting an infection, like Covid-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune system has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present. The Covid-19 antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus regardless of whether he or she developed symptoms.
Please note that the Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, including Covid-19. If you feel unwell for any reason, please postpone your donation. Individuals who believe they may be ill with Covid-19 should not present to donate untilthey are symptom free for 14 days and feeling well and healthy.
