In the COVID-19 emergency, the need to donate blood and plasma is constant. The surge in cases in Puerto Rico represents an opportunity to express solidarity, which can be a determining factor in the treatment of hundreds of hospitalized patients.

Representatives of blood banks on the island have warned of a drop in the blood supply chain, so efforts to promote that more people donate are of great importance. Particularly amid the hurricane season and the series of earthquakes still active in the south.

The situation is not exclusive to the island. International organizations such as the American Red Cross have noted that due to the pandemic, the blood supply in the United States has also critically dropped.

The Red Cross said in March that, as the pandemic spread, cancellations of blood donation campaigns had increased at a rate described as alarming. Back then, nearly 2,700 blood drives had been canceled nationwide, resulting in 86,000 fewer donations. More than 80 percent of the blood the organization collects comes from these campaigns.

Hence the importance of people interested in helping to save lives calling for guidance and making appointments to go to blood banks. According to estimates, one donation can save up to three lives.

Sickle cell anemia is one of the conditions requiring blood transfusions. This disease affects between 90,000 and 100,000 people in the United States. Some people and children undergoing cancer treatment, or requiring surgery, may also need blood or plasma donations. According to the Red Cross, one traffic accident victim may need up to 100 pints of blood.

Following proper precautions and health care measures, it is possible to arrange appointments at blood banks and contribute to surgeries in our hospitals thus helping to give proper care to patients.

Anyone over the age of 18 can donate blood as long as they present a photo ID. Also, minors 16 and 17 can help save lives with written permission from their parents or legal guardian. People with diabetes or hypertension whose condition is under control may also join this solidarity effort.

Blood banks stated they have included physical distancing, hygiene measures, and pandemic planning in their security controls to make their offices safe to receive blood donors.

It is important to follow the instructions provided at the time of the appointment before donating. Once at the blood bank, donors will be interviewed by a nurse who will also take their vital signs, temperature, and measure hemoglobin level and weight to determine their eligibility. After completing the donation process, they will be provided a resting space and recommended to take a snack to help them recover.

Amid the increase in COVID-19 cases in Puerto Rico, blood banks are also receiving convalescent plasma, the liquid part of the blood from people who have recovered from an infection, whose antibodies can help another person fight it. With the motto Lo llevamos en la Sangre (We have it in our blood), these organizations have developed a campaign to guide and motivate people to donate. Anyone interested in contributing life can visit the website lollevamosenlasangre.org

f there is something that defines Puerto Ricans, it is their spirit of solidarity. Donating blood is a concrete way of expressing that solidarity especially in these times of big challenges.