Mobile’s nurses are exhausted—2 ways you can help

With ICU beds still at full capacity, the Delta variant steadily spreading and a huge staffing shortage in Mobile Hospitals, it’s no question that Mobile’s exhausted nurses need all the support they can get. During this critical time, healthcare workers say there’s two big ways people can take some pressure off of their local nurses: getting vaccinated, if they haven’t already, and donating blood. Learn more.

Where can I go to get my COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard, Mobile County has seen more than 1,000 deaths, and over 69,000 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began .

To protect you and the ones you love the COVID-19 vaccine can lower your chances of catching the virus, transmitting it and being hospitalized.

You can check this map for Alabama vaccine clinics near you.

Am I eligible to donate blood?

According to the American Red Cross, the basic requirements to donate blood are as follows:

• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must weigh at least 110 pounds
• Must be in good health and feeling well
• Must not have given blood in the past 56 days

Common reasons that people cannot donate:

• They have traveled to a malaria risk country in the past 3 years
• Their iron levels are too low
• They have a cold or flu
• They have a waiting period after certain medications before able to donate

If you’ve recently gotten the vaccine or are recovering from COVID-19, even better!

Lifesouth Community Blood Centers say that testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies means that your plasma, referred to as COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP), may be able to reduce the chance of death and improve the outcome of many critically ill patients.

I’ve never given blood before, what should I expect?

The process of giving blood is organized into four simple steps:

• Step one: Sign in (have your photo ID).
• Step two: Answer questions on your health history and receive a mini-physical.
• Step three: Sit while your blood is taken.
• Step four: Take 10-15 minutes to recover while enjoying a snack.

I don’t know how to find a blood drive. Where do I go?

The American Cross has two blood drives occurring this September.

Option 1:

• When: Wednesday, September 22 | 4-8PM
• Where: Creekwood Church of Christ, 1901 Schillinger Rd, Mobile, Al 36608

Option 2:

• When: Wednesday, September 29 | 9:30AM-1:30PM
• Where: Providence Hospital, 6801 Airport Blvd. Mobile, Al 36608

Be sure to check the American Red Cross’s website for more blood drives for the coming months.

Lifesouth is also offering more than 20 blood drives this month in the Mobile area. Check their website to see which drive work best for you.

Snap a picture of how you decide to help your local Mobile nurses this September and tag us @thebamabuzz.