A blood drive is scheduled at St. Marys on Sunday July 12 from 8:00am until 2:00pm.  The American Red Cross is now testing for COVID-19 antibodies.  Appointments are required.  To make an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org. On the home page, top left corner, enter our sponsor code: stmarychardon. 

   Here is some information from the American Red Cross about the COVID test:
The American Red Cross began testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 “antibodies” on June 15. The Red Cross will use the antibody test authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration, which may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. 

   The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose the illness, but will provide donors insight into whether they may have been exposed to the coronavirus. A positive antibody test does not confirm infection or immunity.

   Donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of the donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7-10 days through the Red Cross Donor App or on our donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Individuals who do not feel well should postpone their donation. Donor appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org.