Our city is full of the best people and best businesses.  Every day we learn of something spectacular that our volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and partners are doing during this crazy time and it brightens our hearts and gives us hope.  We plan to spotlight these stories through #FeelGoodFriday. Every Friday, we will spotlight something spectacular around us.  We hope it will brighten your day too! 

Today’s #FeelGoodFriday shout out goes out to OneBlood who has been working their tails off to help make sure our local hospitals have blood product supplies during the pandemic.  And also a shoutout to all the partners and donors who stepped in to make that supply possible.  If you’re healthy and able to donate blood products, make sure to set up your appointment.

Early into the Coronavirus crisis there was great concern surrounding the availability of blood for our hospitals and their patients.  As businesses and organizations in our region and across the country began to shut their doors and stay at home orders were announced, blood drive cancelations started pouring in.  The level of cancelations was unprecedented.  We began to inform our hospitals of a potential blood shortage. 

The hospitals we serve immediately answered the call in a big way.  Atrium booked blood drives at 11 hospital locations every single week in April, and are continuing some into May.  They didn’t just give a place to park the bus, they had donors show up in droves.  Since March 23^rd Atrium’s locations alone have collected over 1,300 units of blood.   The team at Atrium is literally pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into this community.  That’s enough to make you feel good every day, but even more so on #FeelGoodFriday!

OneBlood is also part of an important advancement in the fight against Covid-19 by collecting COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP).  This plasma is collected from donors who have completely recovered from Coronavirus.  Their plasma contains an antibody that when transfused, can help aid in the recovery of patients currently suffering from Coronavirus.  

Oneblood’s first CCP collection happened on Friday and one unit has already been sent to a local hospital supporting a patient in need!  We are so proud to be partners with Oneblood and appreciate them working their tails off for our community! 

A few ways you can help:

❤️Learn more about Oneblood’s convalescent plasma program and eligibility requirements

❤️Learn more about hosting a blood drive in the future

❤️Schedule a blood donation appointment