State Officials Encourage Blood Donation

State officials are urging Hoosiers to donate blood. During Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference, State EMS Medical Director Dr. Michael Kaufmann said the need for blood is especially great this time of year, when the number of traumatic injuries typically increases.

“Our emergency medical service system is there to get those folks the immediate care they need and get them to the hospital, but once there, our trauma centers will need a continuous supply of blood to save these folks’ lives,” he said.

Kaufmann stressed that donating blood is safe, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The American Red Cross has taken special care to set up their donation sites so that you can donate in a safe manner with social distancing and all the proper safeguards in place to keep you safe and healthy while you donate blood,” he added.

For a list of blood drives and to make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.