Blood drive in Richmond Beach Saturday

Bloodmobile will be at the Safety Center in
Richmond Beach Saturday

Bloodworks Looking to Fill Up Mobile Unit in Richmond Beach on Saturday

By Tom Petersen

The bloodmobile is coming to the Shoreline Fire Safety Center in Richmond Beach Saturday, hoping to be filled with donors. The Bloodworks unit will be open from 10am to noon and from 1 to 4pmThe Safety Center is at the corner of 20th NW and Richmond Beach Road.

The regular-capacity bloodmobile, with staff and beds enough to accommodate up to six donors an hour, will strive keep any waiting to a minimum. Richmond Beach blood drives always enjoy a robust turnout, but rushes have sometimes overwhelmed the staff. Appointments are recommended but not required.

Donating blood takes about 45 minutes, door to door.

Zika Virus Concern

All blood agencies follow strict safety guidelines to protect the blood supply. While most healthy adults over 110 pounds should have no trouble donating, there is an ever-growing list of medications and travel restrictions that may trigger deferrals. The latest concern is travel to South American countries that have been hit by the Zika Virus. Bloodworks estimates that 2% of all potential donors may have to be turned away as a precaution, as they might have been exposed to the virus.

It is impossible to get Zika, or any virus, from donating blood. With more deferrals, it is important that new donors be found, and that occasional donors come out more regularly.