BATON ROUGE – With medical blood supplies across the country at critically low levels, Ochsner Baton Rouge is hosting blood drives at several regional locations throughout the month of February to help boost the community’s blood supply. These drives will feature the Ochsner Blood Mobile, which provides a comfortable and safe place for donations.
“Because of the pandemic and a nationwide shortage, there is a need for blood right here in our own community,” says Ochsner Baton Rouge Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo. “Having blood for patients who need surgery, transfusions or emergency services is crucial for the best outcomes.”
Ochsner is taking part in the blood drive at numerous locations around the state. It’s also part of a larger, nationwide effort to replenish blood supplies.
“This is definitely a call for everyone who’s able to give blood,” says Ochsner pathologist Dr. Aimee Goodier. “No matter what type of blood you have, the need is immediate, and your donation can save lives.”
Those recently diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms can donate blood 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms. Those who tested positive but never had symptoms can donate blood 10 days following the day of their positive test.
Those who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can donate blood immediately. However, patients who received a monoclonal antibody infusion must wait three months before donating.
The Ochsner Blood Mobile will be at the following Baton Rouge area locations in February:
Friday, Feb. 4:
7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Zachary High School, 4100 School St. in Zachary
Monday, Feb. 7:
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Albany High School, 29700 1 Hornet Lane in Albany
Wednesday, Feb. 9:8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Options Inc., 19362 W. Shelton Road in Hammond
Friday, Feb. 11:10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Ochsner Health Center – Tangipahoa, 41676 Veterans Ave. in Hammond
Monday, Feb. 14:10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Ochsner Community Health Brees Family Center, 7855 Howell Blvd., Suite 320, Baton Rouge
Wednesday, Feb. 16:8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Plaquemine Senior High School, 59595 Belleview Drive, Plaquemine
Thursday, Feb. 17:10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove, 10310 The Grove Blvd., Baton Rouge
Friday, Feb. 25:10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, 17000 Medical Center Drive, Baton Rouge
For more locations and drives, as well as more information on blood donation, visit Ochsner.org/giving/donate/ochsner-blood-bank.