Blood donations and coronavirus: How we’re keeping our community safe

[Information updated February 10, 2022]

Having a strong blood supply is more important than ever, especially as we continue to monitor the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Blood Donor Center is taking these steps for the health and safety of our community:

1. We are practicing social distancing by keeping blood donors separate. We are also keeping a safe distance between blood donors and technicians. This includes decreasing the number of donations happening at the same time on our bloodmobile.
2. Our donor interview process identifies healthy blood donors. We added several screening questions that are specific to coronavirus to our donor interview process. We also added a two-question telephone pre-screen for potential donors. This will disqualify anyone with symptoms or possible coronavirus exposure.

There is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted through a blood transfusion. For more details, you can check out the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks).

Additionally, we’d like to help make it clear that people who have had COVID and are fully recovered can donate blood. Per the Food and Drug Administration guidelines, individuals are eligible to donate blood 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms. Our mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve and we ask for help in this endeavor.

Every year, LHAAMC’s blood bank helps around 3,000 people heal from medical conditions and surgical procedures. Patients with cancer and other serious illnesses need transfusion support. And having a strong blood supply could save their lives.

Healthy individuals should schedule an appointment to donate for those in need. The Blood Donor Center is located inside LHAAMC’s Wayson Pavilion, suite 450. Donation times are Monday through Wednesday from 8:15 am – 3:45 pm and Thursday and Friday from 7:15 am – 2:45 pm. You can call 443-481-4215 to schedule a time to donate.

If you’re interested in hosting a blood drive, please contact the mobile coordinator at the LHAAMC Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4272 or [email protected].

Check out our donor center web page for more information and to see upcoming blood drives.

Thank you for your support in keeping our community healthy!