America’s Veterans and VA employees are stepping up in extraordinary ways to support communities across the nation in the face of COVID-19. One way we can make a difference this year is to donate blood.

VA is the largest integrated health care system in the nation. Through our network of health care facilities, we are partnering with blood collection agencies across the country to host drives and help fight the shortage caused by this global health challenge.

By activating our hospitals and clinics nationwide, we are fulfilling VA’s “fourth mission,” to back up our nation’s health care system in times of disaster. This effort also helps ensure that we are better able to support Veterans who may need blood or blood products in the near term.

National blood drive extended

Due to the continuing national need for blood, VA’s “Roll Up Your Sleeve” National Blood Drive has been extended.  Donors can give at any scheduled blood drive at a VA medical facility or at any blood collection site nationwide and participate in the campaign by indicating they are giving for “Roll Up Your Sleeve.”

If you are healthy, we encourage you to visit www.americasblood.org or redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment at a VA blood drive or blood collection facility near you.

According to the America’s Blood website, medical facilities need 33,000 blood donations every day to meet patient needs. These donations are manufactured into life-saving blood therapies for acute care and ongoing disease management.

Blood donation remains safe. VA and blood collection agencies have instituted the same precautions we use at VA hospitals – such as requiring masks, temperature checks, following social distancing guidelines and frequent wipe-downs of surfaces. These practices help to keep blood drives safe and to ensure your safety as a blood donor.

Donating will not put you at risk to get COVID-19

Veterans, their family members and friends are all encouraged to participate in this nationwide life-saving effort. You can help up to three people through one blood donation. Contact your local VA medical center to learn more.

Roll up your sleeve at VA today!

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5 Comments

  1. Carlton Sargent December 18, 2021 at 15:59

    Yeah, same here, I too was told that I cannot give blood because of my European assignment as well!

  2. Bill Blando December 16, 2021 at 18:05

    I filled out and sent your questionnaire, and was accepted. What I need to know is where I might donate (I live in the 17070 Zip code area)? Do I need to make an appointment or are drop-ins OK? If it’s OK to drop in, what are the hours for donating? Thank you!

  3. Matthew Schweyer December 16, 2021 at 14:36

    As others have said, “stationed in Germany I’m 1988, due to MCD, can no longer give!” Sadly, I used to donate frequently. Now, never!

    [Editor: FDA lifted the ban: https://news.va.gov/83743/fda-lifts-ban-european-blood-donations/ ]

  4. Pat Searle December 16, 2021 at 14:14

    I also get turned away because of being stationed in Germany during the mid 80s. I always gave blood as often as I could up until about the mid to late 90s. My whole family is disappointed we can no longer give, to help save lives!

    [Editor: From earlier this year: https://news.va.gov/83743/fda-lifts-ban-european-blood-donations/ ]

  5. RANDALL G ESTEN December 16, 2021 at 12:10

    When will Vet’s that served overseas (Europe) be able to give blood again. I keep getting told that due to Mad Cow pandemic in 1983 – 1986 I can not give blood ever again. Stopped trying 3 or 4 years ago.

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