Upcoming Monroe County Blood Drives include COVID-19 Antibodies Test

(Miami, Florida – June 24, 2020 ) Innovative Transfusion Medicine (ITM), a local not-for-profit blood center serving hospitals throughout the United States, announced that all voluntary whole blood donations made at select locations and up to a defined quantity will include a test for COVID-19 IgG Antibodies along with a mini physical, cholesterol test, and snacks.

Over the past several weeks, blood centers throughout the country are experiencing a significant drop in blood donations. Schools, Churches, Businesses and Public Entertainment closures have disrupted routine donations.

Blood Donation is safe and precautions to ensure Donor Safety remain in full force. Blood centers are regulated by the FDA and must follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of our Donors and our Nation’s Blood Supply. The FDA is urging people to donate blood as coronavirus fears intensify. New guidance has been provided to further protect donors from exposure. ITM has adopted these policies to restrict those who may be at risk. Every donor will be assessed for a current fever and recent symptoms and/or travel activity, including, but not limited to location and form of travel (e.g. airplane) or cruise liner.

Your community needs your help. If you have not travelled or experienced any flu-like symptoms, please donate at one of the following upcoming events in Monroe County between June 26 and June 30, 2020 from 10:00am-6:00pm:

 

Key Largo 6/26/20 10:00am-6:00pm Key largo School -104801 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada 6/27/20 10:00am-6:00pm Coral Shores HS-89901 Old Hwy,

Tavernier, Fl. 33070
Marathon 6/28/20 10:00am-6:00pm Marathon HS-350 Sombrero Beach Rd

Marathon, Fl. 33050
Lower Keys 6/29/20 10:00am-6:00pm The Vineyard Community Church- 100

County Rd, Big Pine Key, Fl. 33043
Key West 6/30/20 10:00am-6:00pm Key West HS -2100 Flagler Ave, Key West, FL

 

Criteria for donating include being a healthy individual, and age 17 or older, who weighs at least 115 pounds. Photo ID required. For more information, call (786)406-2734.

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