As the nation takes measures to address and mitigate the effects of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the American Red Cross (ARC) is actively seeking blood donations. According to ARC, over 7,000 blood drives nationwide have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in approximately 200,000 less donations and leading to a national blood shortage.

As a recipient of blood product, Navicent Health fully supports ARC as they seek to address this challenge.  In partnership with Navicent Health, ARC will sponsor six mobile blood drives in Bibb and Baldwin Counties during the month of April. Blood drives will not be held inside the hospitals, but instead will be held in ARC’s mobile blood drive bus.

Blood Drive Information

Bibb County

These blood drives will be held at The Medical Center, Navicent Health visitors parking lot, located at 752 Hemlock Street in Macon, at the corner of Hemlock and First Streets.

April 2                         10:00 am – 4:00 pm                 

April 10                       10:00 am – 3:00 pm                 

April 22                       10:00 am – 4:00 pm                

Baldwin County

These blood drives will be held the Navicent Health Baldwin Wellness Center, located at 821 North Cobb Street, Suite B in Milledgeville.

April 7                         10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

April 14                       10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.                         

April 21                       10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

ARC understands potential donors may have concerns about donating blood in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. At each blood drive, ARC employees follow thorough safety protocols, including the following:

Only healthy donors will be allowed to give blood

Donors will have their temperature checked upon arrival

Donors will undergo a physical prior to donating

Individuals who have travelled or have had contact with a COVID-19 patient are asked to defer their donation for 28 days

ARC employees will also follow specific protocols to ensure health, including

Take a standard staff health assessment prior to each blood drive shift

Wipe down donor-touched areas after every collection

Use sterile collection sets for every donation

Enhanced disinfecting of equipment

ARC will provide hand sanitizer for use before entering and throughout the donation appointment