Have you donated blood at Grand Junction's St. Mary's Regional Blood Center since the social distancing restrictions went into place? What's changed?

Have you been hesitant to donate blood for fear the process would be too complex? Has COVID-19 motivated you to avoid the blood donation center?

How much has changed? To be as succinct as possible... nothing. Hardly anything has changed. As a matter of fact, almost nothing has changed.

You have to wear a mask. That's about the only distinction between donating blood now as opposed to before COVID-19. There are a few minor, temporary adjustments which hardly warrant mentioning:

  • You have to use the south door (Entrance 26) at the St. Mary's Regional Blood Center rather than the north door.
  • You are asked to use the donor portal and schedule a time rather than simply walk in.

Seriously, that's it. Most people use the south door, Entrance 26, anyway. I'm about the only person I've ever seen using the north doors. The same goes for the donor portal. From what I've seen, most people typically schedule a time for blood donation.

St. Mary's Regional Blood Center Entrance
Waylon Jordan
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I posted yesterday, September 28, about the email I received from the blood center asking those with O positive blood to donate. It seems they are running a little low on that blood type. Being O positive, and long overdue for donating, it seemed time to schedule an appointment and donate blood. Like always, the entire process took less than 30 minutes, was absolutely painless, and when all was said and done, very rewarding. When done, you can enjoy juice, cookies, and get a free "Donate Blood" mask.

St. Mary's Regional Blood Center Mask
Waylon Jordan
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Donating blood is what it is, with or without COVID-19. Before donating, you have to answer a handful of questions asking if you've ever had sex for money with a circus performer living in Europe sometime between 1973 and 1976. Once you answer those, the attendant takes your blood pressure and checks your blood type. Then it's off to the next room to donate.

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I'm a firm believer in donating blood. You never know when you or someone in your family might need blood. Wouldn't it be awesome to know there's a supply handy?

I strongly encourage you to make an appointment, bring your mask, and donate blood just like you used to back before March 2020. It's quick, painless, rewarding, and in the end, saves lives.

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