The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) will be hosting the annual Banker’s Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in tandem with LifeShare. Sponsors for the event include BancorpSouth, First Financial Bank, Regions Bank, Simmons Bank, Smackover State Bank and Southern Bancorp.
“Last year’s drive was one of the last events SAAC hosted before the COVID lock down,“ SAAC’s Colleen Means said.
With COVID-19 still being a factor in this year’s drive, donors are asked to enter through the large gallery access doors to sign-in on arrival; then they’ll will move to the theatre, where LifeShare staff will be set-up to take donations, according to a SAAC press release.
“The first decision was to schedule the event during spring break so we could spread the event out throughout the building,” Means said. “We knew that would mean some people who regularly donate would be out of town, but it allowed us to increase the number of people who could attend. With the donors arriving in shifts throughout the day and only a few staff members working in each room, guests can expect plenty of room for physical distancing.”
Doug Bryant, LifeShare account manager and one of the event’s planner said the following questions have been frequently asked by blood donors during the pandemic, and provided answers:
-How long after vaccine can I donate? No deferral period. (Same day)
-How long after COVID can I donate? 14 days from last symptom
-Can they tell if I have had COVID at time of donation? No (If you think you have COVID, stay home)
-Can I donate Plasma for COVID victims? We are no longer accepting CCP (capacitively coupled plasma) donations due to new FDA regulations
-How long does it take to get Antibody results? Two to three weeks
Bryant also recommended that those considering donating visit LifeShare’s FAQ (frequently asked questions) page at lifeshare.org/faqs.
“With it being spring break there might be some students interested in attending,” Means said. “Sixteen and older are invited. The LifeShare website says at that age they need a parent or guardian’s signature.”
“The El Dorado Bankers host the largest LifeShare event hosted in Arkansas,” Bryant said in a press release. “In the past years, the community has donated between 95-125 units at the Bankers drive. They have set a new goal for 2021 for 150 units.”
Donors are invited to make a reservation for a time-slot. Appointments are not required, but it will save time. To make an appointment in advance visit donor.lifeshare.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/221740.
For more information about the blood drive, call 1-800-256-4533. For assistance on the day of the Banker’s Blood Drive, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.