Previously, in times of national emergencies, it was easy to join together as a nation, for each of us to pitch in and help out. It was neighbor helping neighbor, community looking after community in an effort to recover, be it from a natural catastrophe or a man-made event, such as 9/11.

Even on smaller scales, elsewhere in this state, when our nation has called on its men and women to combat duty overseas, the families left at home were cared for by a community, as volunteers helped with such tasks as lawn mowing to changing the oil on vehicles and a wide range of other chores.

But with COVID-19, we’re told the best way to help each other is … to stay away from each other. It almost goes against our nature as people, and as Americans, to not to go to someone’s aid when they need it. And there are those among us who are going to need help.

One thing we can do during this time, and Gov. Brian Kemp urged Georgians to do so, is continue to roll up their sleeves and give blood. 

The Red Cross only takes blood from people who are healthy and feeling well at the time of their donation. The Red Cross also is checking the temperature of every potential donor before they enter a blood drive or donation center. That holds true for each worker and volunteer.

The Red Cross will ensure there is appropriate space between each donating station, and workers will be protected with gloves. Plus, areas that blood donors touch or may touch will be wiped down routinely. Blood will be collected in sterile sets. 

Most blood drives consist of 20-30 people over its duration, according to the Red Cross.

There is always a need for blood. With the onset of COVID-19, that need likely will increase. The Red Cross wants potential donors to be sure that they will be safe, and so will the staff with whom they interact. 

It’s a social interaction that still can help save lives.