The American Red Cross continues to face blood shortages. To help, the American Red Cross is holding regular blood drives at Vanderbilt University Medical Center locations.

"We have experienced major blood shortages since Memorial Day weekend and expect this to continue into summer. Blood donations have been down nationwide, though VUMC’s use of blood and blood products has not declined. It can be especially challenging around July 4, which is on a weekend this year,” said Jennifer Andrews, MD, MSc, Associated Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Medical Director of the Blood Bank. “We are hoping that just as they did during the pandemic, our people will generously donate through one of the Light Hall blood drives so we are prepared for any eventuality." 

To schedule an appointment for drives at Light Hall, go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "Vandy19" or visit this sign-up link. 

For drives at One Hundred Oaks, go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "VUMC" or visit this sign-up link.

It's possible to streamline your donation with an online pre-donation reading and health history on donation day. 

COVID-19 antibody testing

The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Results may indicate a donor’s potential past exposure to this coronavirus — regardless of whether they experienced symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within 7-10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Blood donation is safe to do and an essential activity

The American Red Cross understands public health concerns regarding donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic but wants to stress that donating blood is a safe process and that Red Cross blood drives have the highest safety standards. American Red Cross blood drives are essential and directly support clinical AND other emergency services remaining open, including for trauma and oncology patients. Over 6,000 blood drives and 200,000 donations have been cancelled recently, creating a serious shortage. It is safe to donate at this time. 

Upcoming dates and times for Red Cross blood drives on the main VUMC campus: