As COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains.

From May 1^st through May 15^th, the state of Indiana will be hosting blood drive events in most of its counties.

Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients into the summer season.

Healthy individuals, including those who have taken the COVID-19 vaccine, are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment as soon as possible.

As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide their vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

However, to protect the health and safety of the Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or may be ill with COVID-19, please postpone their donation.

Additional blood donation eligibility information is available at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

The Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet, and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait.

This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/ or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).