The American Red Cross will be having a drive at Pierce Hall in Rochester. At this time they are asking for people to make an appointment either online at redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767. All donors must bring a mask.

"As a nation, this is a time where we must take care of one another including those most vulnerable among us in hospitals," Gail McGovern, president and CEO of Red Cross, said in the statement. "One of the most important things people can do right now during this public health emergency is to give blood. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible."

"We understand why people may be hesitant to come out for a blood drive but want to reassure the public that blood donation is a safe process, and that we have put additional precautions in place at our blood drives to protect the health and safety of our donors and staff," McGovern said in the statement.

The precautions include taking the temperature of all individuals before they enter a blood drive location, providing hand sanitizer throughout the donation process, spacing beds according to social distancing standards, disinfecting all surfaces and equipment and wearing masks.

🩸❤️ PLEASE pass the word on and let's get this drive full, thank you all!

Jody Martin, volunteer for Red Cross