Kuster donates blood as Red Cross works to prevent blood shortage during ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
NASHUA – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) donated blood at a Red Cross blood drive at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Nashua. Kuster’s donation comes in light of ongoing efforts to prevent another national blood shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to donate blood, platelets, and plasma to maintain an adequate blood supply.
“With the pandemic still impacting blood drives, flu season taking off, and the holidays just around the corner, the nation’s blood supply could face shortages in the future, and individuals who are able to donate should consider making an appointment,” said Rep. Kuster. “While COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to most of our everyday lives, the need for blood has remained constant. Whether someone is undergoing cancer treatment, needs surgery, or falls ill and needs a transfusion, we can all help to ensure that blood is available when it’s needed. I’m glad I was able to do my part by donating today, and I encourage all healthy Granite Staters to consider doing the same. The New Hampshire Red Cross holds blood drives almost every day, and those who would like to donate can visit their website to sign up.”
“The need for blood is constant, it does not stop even for a pandemic,” said Stephanie Couturier, CEO, American Red Cross Northern New England Region. “The Red Cross is grateful to Representative Kuster for making time in her busy schedule to share her good health with patients in need. As the holidays approach we encourage everyone to make time to donate; there is no replacement for a healthy, volunteer blood donor!”
The need for blood products is ongoing, and the American Red Cross encourages individuals to keep their scheduled blood, platelet, or plasma donation appointments and to make new donation appointments for the weeks ahead to ensure a stable supply throughout this pandemic. To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).