Coronavirus: Dayton mayor gives blood, urges people to not be afraid to donate

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, as she has done all this week during the daily news conferences with Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County, continues to urge citizens to give blood and not to be afraid to donate in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

She gave blood Wednesday at the Dayton Community Blood Center and encouraged others to be "Donor Strong."

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"Look, this is something you can do to make a difference and help your community," she said. "It doesn't cost you any money, just an hour of your time and right now some people have some time.

“So, come on down if you're healthy, you feel well, and you're not in one of those categories that have weakened immune systems. This is something you can do to help Dayton and your community."

Blood drive cancellations have risen to 55, with a projection now of 2,400 lost units, CBC officials said.

CBC is taking emergency measures to avert a regional blood shortage as the community acts to halt the spread of the coronavirus. CBC is urging eligible members of the community to donate blood and asking blood drive sponsors to keep their scheduled dates.

There are no reported cases of coronavirus transmission through blood transfusion, CBC officials said, and CBC is increasing hygienic and sanitary procedures.

Blood drives are not mass gatherings, officials said, they are controlled events with infection safeguards to protect donors, staff, and blood products.

Make an appointment to donate at www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220.

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After Wednesday, collections CBC's hospital inventory is holding at a 7-day supply with 7 to 14-days available across blood types. Lows: Type O-positive 7-days, AB-positive 6 days.

The Dayton CBC Donor Center totaled 158 donors.

DONOR STRONG DRIVE CONTINUES

All who register to donate through March 22 at the CBC Donor Center, 349 S. Main St., will receive a free ticket to Kings Island or a Cinemark movie, plus "Spring into Giving" socks.

The Donor Strong drive will continue through the week of March 23 at the donor center with a free Kroger $10 gift card or Kings Island ticket for all who register.

DAYTON DONOR CENTER HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. 6 p.m.

Friday: 7 a.m. 4 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (new, beginning this Sunday)

COMMUNITY DRIVES (Week of March 16)

Saturday, March 21

Lebanon Presbyterian Church, 123 N. East St., 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bellefontaine Moose Lodge, 2563 912 S. Detroit St., 8 a.m. to noon

Community Blood Drives

Monday, March 23

Centerville High School, 500 East Franklin St., 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Randolph County 4-H Fairgrounds Husted Hall, 1885 U.S. 27, Winchester, Indiana, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24

American Legion Post 217, 1265 N. Fourth St. Sidney, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

LifeSpring Church, 5600 U.S. 27, Richmond, Indiana, 3:30 - 7 p.m.

Miami Valley Hospital South, 2400 Miami Valley Drive, Centerville, noon - 4 p.m.

First Christian Church, 3638 Middle Urbana Road, Springfield, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25

West Milton United Church of Christ, 108 S. Main St., West Milton, 1 - 7 p.m.

MidPointe Library West Chester, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester, 1:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Mary Rutan Hospital, 205 Palmer Ave. Bellefontaine, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church Troy, 20 S. Walnut St., Troy, 2 - 6 p.m.

DONOR REQUIREMENTS

Donors must be in good health. If you have any cough or cold symptoms, do not come to a blood drive. Take your temperature before coming. Provide a photo ID that includes your full name. Past donors should bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good physical health.