Ochsner Hosts Baton Rouge-Area Blood Drive in February

BATON ROUGE - With medical blood supplies across the country at critically low levels, Ochsner Baton Rouge is hosting blood drives at several regional locations throughout the month of February to help boost the community’s blood supply. These drives will feature the Ochsner Blood Mobile, which provides a comfortable and safe place for donations.

“Because of the pandemic and a nationwide shortage, there is a need for blood right here in our own community,” says Ochsner Baton Rouge Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo. “Having blood for patients who need surgery, transfusions or emergency services is crucial for the best outcomes.”

Ochsner is taking part in the blood drive at numerous locations around the state. It’s also part of a larger, nationwide effort to replenish blood supplies.

“This is definitely a call for everyone who’s able to give blood,” says Ochsner pathologist Dr. Aimee Goodier. “No matter what type of blood you have, the need is immediate, and your donation can save lives.”

Those recently diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms can donate blood 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms. Those who tested positive but never had symptoms can donate blood 10 days following the day of their positive test.

Those who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can donate blood immediately. However, patients who received a monoclonal antibody infusion must wait three months before donating.

The Ochsner Blood Mobile will be at the following Baton Rouge area locations in February:

Friday, Feb. 4:

7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Zachary High School, 4100 School St. in Zachary

Monday, Feb. 7:

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Albany High School, 29700 1 Hornet Lane in Albany

Wednesday, Feb. 9:
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Options Inc., 19362 W. Shelton Road in Hammond

Friday, Feb. 11:
10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Ochsner Health Center – Tangipahoa, 41676 Veterans Ave. in Hammond

Monday, Feb. 14:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Ochsner Community Health Brees Family Center, 7855 Howell Blvd., Suite 320, Baton Rouge

Wednesday, Feb. 16:
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Plaquemine Senior High School, 59595 Belleview Drive, Plaquemine

Thursday, Feb. 17:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove, 10310 The Grove Blvd., Baton Rouge

Friday, Feb. 25:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, 17000 Medical Center Drive, Baton Rouge

For more locations and drives, as well as more information on blood donation, visit Ochsner.org/giving/donate/ochsner-blood-bank.

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About Ochsner Baton Rouge

Greater Baton Rouge is home to Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge, a full-service, 150-bed hospital and 13 Health Centers across Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes – including Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge. Over 2,300 employees serve patients in the Greater Baton Rouge area, including more than 250 physicians and Advanced Practice Providers whose collective dedication to patient care is recognized for quality excellence by Becker’s Hospital Review, Healthgrades, Truven Health Analytics and Leapfrog. Ochsner Baton Rouge is a part of Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s largest non-profit healthcare delivery system committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 900,000 people from across the globe in 2020, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner's team of more than 32,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Baton Rouge, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook.