More than 100 people donate blood at state police academy

More than 100 blood donors came out to the state Police Academy Monday to help with what the American Red Cross says is a growing need.

News 12 Staff

Apr 27, 2020, 7:26 PM

Updated 1,820 days ago

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More than 100 blood donors came out to the Connecticut State Police Academy Monday to help with what the American Red Cross says is a growing need.

For now, Connecticut's blood supply is stable, but Gov. Ned Lamont says hospitals will need a lot more as Connecticut starts to reopen.
"With the COVID crisis, we've had fewer automobile accidents. We're not doing as much elective surgery. There may not have been quite as much need over the last month, but we are ramping back up again," said Lamont.
Hospitals and medical facilities need 300 people daily to donate blood.
At Monday's drive, donors got masks and temperature checks.
People who have had coronavirus can still donate.
"We do not test for COVID-19. There is no indication that COVID-19 can be transferred through a blood donation at this point," said Mario Bruno, of the American Red Cross of Connecticut.
Potential plasma donors must have a negative follow-up test, and getting one of those is tough. For now, the Red Cross can't do antibody tests either, which will be crucial to reopening businesses.
The state Police Academy is only taking blood donations at this location. The Red Cross is taking plasma donations in Farmington.
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