Charleston Area Red Cross Blood Drives Coming Up Soon

CHARLESTON, WV — The need for local blood donations remains high as coronavirus vaccines become more available and people begin to resume more of their normal activities.

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, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

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

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

People who donate blood, platelets or plasma in May through the Red Cross will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five from Suburban Propane. Anyone who donates between May 1 and 15 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card by email courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Red Cross blood drives follow coronavirus safety protocols including temperature screening, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Charleston area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 4/27/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holiday Inn Express Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive (Charleston)
• 4/28/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West, 400 2nd Ave SW (South Charleston)
• 4/30/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive (Charleston)
• 5/5/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West, 400 2nd Ave SW (South Charleston)
• 5/7/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive (Charleston)
• 5/12/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., CAMC General, 501 Morris Street (Charleston)
• 5/12/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Beni Kedem Shrine Center, 100 Quarrier Street (Charleston)
• 5/13/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 200 Park Avenue (Charleston)
• 5/13/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West, 400 2nd Ave SW (South Charleston)
• 5/17/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Embassy Suites, 300 Court Street (Charleston)
• 5/18/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., CAMC Women & Childrens, 800 Pennsylvania Ave (Charleston)
• 5/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West, 400 2nd Ave SW (South Charleston)
• 5/21/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., CAMC Memorial Division, 3200 MacCorkle Ave (Charleston)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to content@patch.com. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibodies may indicate a person's immune system developed antibodies in response to a coronavirus infection or a vaccine. Plasma from whole blood donations that tests positive for high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used in convalescent plasma treatments for coronavirus patients.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available to donors within two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity, according to the Red Cross.