Blood and Food Banks in the USA: How Can You Help the Needy - ForumDaily
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Blood and Food Banks in the USA: How You Can Help the Needy

As the coronavirus spreads across the United States, people are increasingly focused on supporting and protecting their families. However, many US residents have no one to worry about, and then charities get involved. During the crisis, demand for their services increased, and donations decreased. Therefore, if you are ready to help, it will be very helpful. The publication told how to do this CNN.

Photo: Shutterstock

There is a serious need for blood

On April 3, the American Red Cross said about 18 blood donors had canceled their appointments due to coronavirus concerns.

“In my entire life, I have never been as concerned about what might happen to the blood supply as I am now, simply because of the extent of the impact of coronavirus on public decisions,” says Chris Hruda, president of the Red Cross biomedical division.

Hruda said it's important that people donate now while parts of the country are still healthy. About 80% of Red Cross blood collections come from blood collection organizations based at churches, schools and businesses.

Blood stocks should be constantly replenished, because blood is a perishable substance. According to him, when blood donation is canceled, it threatens stocks. A red blood cell unit can be stored for 42 days, while platelets have a shelf life of only five days.

Areas of the United States that have been hit hard by the coronavirus, such as the Northwest, are in dire straits. The statement said the region's blood supply was "at risk of collapse."

How can you help: blood donors are needed. All types of blood are needed, but type 1 and platelets are what Red Cross banks need most now. You can find blood donation locations near you through the American Red Cross here or American blood donation centers here.

The shelves in some food banks are empty

"Unfortunately, people seem to be hoarding canned goods at home," said Kate Lombardo of Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County in Connecticut.

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“But there is a group of the population that is not able to provide themselves with food in case of quarantine. Most people don't have an extra $100 to $200 to spend on food to stock up on food for two weeks,” says Lombardo.

Pasta, spaghetti sauce and cereal, as a rule, were always abundant in food bank stocks, but now, according to her, even these products have disappeared. The food bank was supposed to use financial donations to buy food to replenish supplies.

“This is a scary factor for people who live paycheck to paycheck and are struggling to make ends meet,” Lombardo said. “There is already the stress factor of poverty, not to mention the added stress caused by the pandemic.”

This Connecticut food bank provides products to 90 departments and programs that prepare or deliver food to those in need.

How can you help: different food banks and kitchens have different needs. Lower Fairfield County Food Bank asks for donations of canned food, while Chips stated that he needed disposable containers and utensils after the organization had to switch from feeding those in need on the spot to a food delivery and delivery system. To find a food bank in your area, enter your zip code or state in the national directory Feeding america, and you will see a list of nearby organizations.

Homeless Shelters and Their Quarantine Problems

It is still unknown about cases of coronavirus among the homeless, but there are fears that it will affect this already vulnerable population.

According to Gisele Rotier, director of politics for the Homeless Coalition in New York, advice on handwashing and quarantine self-isolation is not feasible for homeless people.

The Los Angeles Shelter has taken aggressive measures to ensure the safety of the homeless. They placed bunk beds six feet (1,8 m) apart and set up a hard quarantine zone for anyone with symptoms.

“We have set up a family quarantine in the family wing, two families are showing symptoms of respiratory illness, but because we are unable to test and hospitals have not tested these people, we cannot confirm any diagnoses at this time,” said shelter general manager Andy Bales. .

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The shelter added several points where people can wash their hands with warm water and observe good hygiene. Door handles and elevator buttons are disinfected 9 times a day.

How can you help: Homeless shelters like Union Rescue Mission are asking people to share essentials like toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Masks, gloves and protective equipment are also encouraged, as shelter workers must be able to protect themselves while serving those in need.

You can call 311 to contact a homeless shelter in your city; call the number 211to contact local social services. Veteran Administration It also supports a 877-hour hotline for homeless veterans at 4-877AID-VET (424-3838-XNUMX) and online chat.

Quarantined older people need food

While the public is worried about working from home and isolation, a huge part of the population is left without food.

Older people with mobility problems find it difficult to buy or prepare food. Programs "Power on Wheels»Provide hot meals daily to older people and those at home.

"A hot meal is important for nutrition, but it's also a chance for a senior to not feel isolated," said Steve King with Meals on Wheels of Tampa. “We do frozen meals, and if we're low on food and we can't get someone a hot meal, we give them seven days' worth of frozen meals,” King said.

Food on Wheels said their programs were adapting to quarantine requirements.

“Delivery methods are being adjusted to reduce the risk of person-to-person contact,” Meals on Wheels America spokeswoman Jenny Young said. “Volunteers can now avoid entering the home and deliver more shelf-stable items or frozen meals at one time to reduce the frequency of deliveries.”

How can you help: support the neighbors. If you go to the grocery store, offer to buy everything they need. Or ask if an elderly neighbor needs a trip to the store or pharmacy. To donate Meals on Wheels Americaclick here. You can also register to become their volunteer. If you need food, enter your zip codeto find help in your area.

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