In June, the American Red Cross of Northern New England reached out to the Bio X Cell Fund to request a donation in support of their COVID-19 antibody testing initiative. Bio X Cell agreed to donate enough money to cover the testing cost of all blood products collected in Grafton county for four months.
The American Red Cross of Northern New England serves all residents throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. They service more than 3.2 million people in an area that covers 40 counties and 49,083 square miles. Their mission to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies is carried out in many ways, including through disaster relief, blood services, and lifesaving skills courses.
Beginning on June 15th, 2020 The American Red Cross started screening all completed blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. While this testing does not confirm prior infection or immunity, it may give those who have tested positive for antibodies a unique opportunity to help fight the disease via convalescent plasma donations and other research programs. The American Red Cross also hopes that this antibody testing program will encourage new and recurring blood donations by providing donors with insight into whether their immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they have developed symptoms.
There are many ways to support the American Red Cross in your region!
If you are not afraid of needles and meet the eligibility requirements to be a blood donor you can find a blood drive near you to schedule an appointment! Or, alternately, host a blood drive at your organization!
If you are not a fan of needles or do not meet the eligibility requirements but still want to help, you can! Consider volunteering or making a monetary donation.