“The need never stops for blood,” Blood Assurance Marketing Director Caitlin Stanley said.
People should still come out to donate as preventative measures are in place, and the shelf-life of blood is limited, she said.
Blood Assurance is only accepting donors via appointment, and all Center of Disease Control guidelines are being practiced.
Team members are also taking extra screening measures on donors. Donors must be healthy, and will be screened for any cold or flu-like symptoms as well as for COVID-19.
Regardless of shelter-in-place orders, folks are still able to come donate blood as it is an essential healthcare operation, according to the Blood Assurance website.
They have asked that everyone social distance themselves for 14 days if they have been in contact with someone who has or has had COVID-19 or has been diagnosed themselves.
The next blood drive is being held at Fannin County Fire Station 1, 20 Station Ridge, Blue Ridge, Saturday, April 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
An appointment may be scheduled by calling Primary Blood Drive Coordinator Samantha Pugh at 706-455-2832 or emailing drakesmom_21@yahoo.com.
Blood Assurance is also accepting convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. This is being used as a FDA investigational treatment to give to patients ill with the virus.
To donate, an official diagnosis is required, one must be recovered and symptom free for 28 days or symptom free for at least 14 day, and all standard requirements to give blood must be met.
Visit their website bloodassurance.org to learn more.