The American Red Cross is now inviting those who spent time in the United Kingdom, Ireland, or France and haven’t tried to give blood due to concerns over variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease to give and help save lives.
According to a news release from the Green Bay office of the Red Cross, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its blood donor eligibility guidance on vCJD, referred to as mad cow disease, eliminating the deferral for those who spent time in those European countries between 1980 and 2001.
The ARC began accepting donations from those individuals on October 3rd.
Meanwhile, the next blood donation opportunity locally is happening today (October 13th) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Two Rivers High School, 4519 Lincoln Avenue.
More blood donors, especially type O, are urged to donate now to prevent disruptions to essential medical care this fall.
You can make an appointment in several ways.
You can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or by call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
As a thank you, all who come to give between October 16-31st will receive a $10.00 e-Gift card by email to a merchant of their choice.
