Church Holds 1st Indoor Blood Drive In Centreville Since COVID-19

CENTREVILLE, VA — The Centreville Virginia Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsored a blood drive Tuesday where about 50 people donated blood inside the center's gymnasium. The event marked the first indoor blood drive at the church since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donor specialists from Inova Blood Donor Services partnered with the church on the blood drive. The organizers required masks and social distancing for the event.

Four volunteer missionaries with the LDS church and three other volunteers helped to guide the donors once they arrived inside the center to donate blood.

One donor told the organizers that she was very happy to be back in the building again and able to see old friends she had not seen in many months.

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The blood drive collected 45 units of blood, which could help save the lives of 135 people. With an ongoing shortage of blood in the area, the donations are expected to be used up this week.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name. There is no waiting period to donate blood after getting a COVID-19 vaccine dose.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, to replenish the country's blood stockpile for the spring and summer.

Participants in Tuesday's blood drive sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received a free t-shirt.