By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Right now, the American Red Cross is doing okay in keeping up with the blood supply, but they can always use more donors and there are a couple of things that will be different about the donation experience.
"When you enter a blood drive, you're going to have your temperature checked," said Jan Hale with the Red Cross. "As of last Wednesday, you'll have a mask on. You will be using your social distancing between donors, making sure that you stay the requisite six feet apart. We urge the use of hand sanitizer, as you come in to the drive and throughout the process."
The workers will be taking additional precautions, too.
"You'll see our staff also have on masks," Hale said. "They're scrubbing down the beds between donors and they are maintaining the protocol, the safe distance protocol, where they can."
It's also important for the Red Cross to know you are coming.
"We're going to want you to make an appointment," Hale said. "Now, more than ever, we need to know who is coming and what time they are coming. Most of the blood drives, we're making sure that just donors are there."
To set an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.