City employees donate blood to support the fight against COVID-19

March 26, 2020 | 12:05 am

Updated March 25, 2020 | 8:58 pm

Employees with the City of Owensboro came together Wednesday to donate blood in light of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus is expected to upend healthcare systems across the country in the coming weeks, and the U.S. is currently facing a shortage of donated blood due to the cancellations of more than 5,000 Red Cross blood drives, so right now is a good time to donate if you can, said Mayor Tom Watson.

“Any number is a good number as far as I’m concerned,” Watson said after donating blood Wednesday. “We hope that holding this blood drive will encourage other larger businesses in Owensboro to donate as well.”

Approximately 25 city employees showed up at Owensboro Public Works to give blood to the cause. A variety of different departments were represented, including Public Works, City Commission, the Mayor’s Office, Owensboro Fire Department, Parks & Recreation and Owensboro Sanitation.

Watson said the thought of donating blood during a pandemic might not cross a lot of people’s minds, but that being proactive and helping others during a period of uncertainty is better than living in fear.

“We can’t let this thing destroy our mental attitude,” he said. “The worst thing you can do is succumb to all of this fear. You have to have hope, you have to keep the faith, to get through this.”

Instead of being fearful, Watson said he encourages the Owensboro community to pay attention to the experts and use common sense during the next few weeks as things unfold.

According to Watson, those who give blood at this time will be asked to fill out a “lengthy” questionnaire regarding their recent travel history, medical history, prescription medications, and other information before being cleared to donate.

Click here for all of our coronavirus coverage.

The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.

For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.

For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.

March 26, 2020 | 12:05 am

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