American Red Cross Teams Up With NFL To Boost Blood Donations

The Red Cross faced significant challenges in 2020 due to the pandemic, which led to a threefold increase in blood drive cancellations. Schools, accounting for 20% of blood drives, were closed, causing a 50% drop in collections. Civil unrest and winter weather further impacted donations. To encourage donations, the Red Cross partnered with the NFL, offering incentives like Super Bowl tickets. They also prioritized collecting convalescent plasma to aid COVID-19 recovery. Safety measures for donors include masks, temperature checks, and social distancing.

What factors contributed to the increase in blood drive cancellations in 2020?

How did the pandemic affect blood donations at schools?

What initiatives is the Red Cross implementing to encourage blood donations during January?

What is convalescent plasma and why is it important in the context of the pandemic?

What safety measures are being taken for blood donors during the pandemic?