GREEN RIVER– With an ongoing need for blood amid the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, a few members of the community hosted block blood drives to help donate toward the demand.
Vitalant Blood Services is providing block blood drives in which they park their van on the street and have residents from the neighborhood come in to donate blood. To practice proper social distancing, they schedule one donor every 30 minutes.
“This is a way to donate blood and keep social distancing at its finest,” Amanda Santhuff, blood drive host and Green River resident said.
The blood drives are named after the street where the community host lives. Santhuff hosted the Lifesaver Lane-Lynn Court drive on Thursday, April 16.
“We had a great turnout,” Santhuff said.
Santhuff’s block blood drive ran from 2-8 pm and they were allowed 10 slots, which they filled.
Green River resident, Julie Seymour, hosted the Lifesaver Lane-Nevada Place drive on Wednesday, April 15. Between the two block blood drives, Vitalant was able to see 33 people.
Santhuff, Seymour, and all who donated commended the amazing phlebotomists who worked these block blood drives for their essential work and dedication to save lives.
“These ladies who worked these drives were amazing,” Santhuff said.
Vitalant is in need of donors, so these block blood drives are a great way to provide this need while continuing to adhere to COVID-19 public health orders and guidelines.
“It is so important to remember that people are in need of blood and it is our duty to help where we can,” Santhuff said. “Every pint counts.”
Those who are interested in hosting a block blood drive can contact Sandy Thomas, Senior Donor Recruitment for Vitalant Blood Services, at 307-922-2366.
For more information visit Vitalant Blood Services website.
