Donating blood is its own reward, as each pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. But this year, donating blood comes with an added benefit to the community.

The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from donations that test positive for the antibodies may help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.

The need for blood is constant, but with so much uncertainty during the pandemic, blood banks are having difficulty meeting the need.

Healthy union members are encouraged to donate blood during a labor blood drive Dec. 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at the St. Paul Labor Center, 353 W. 7th St. The drive is co-sponsored by the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation’s nonprofit Labor Studies and Resource Center, Greater Twin Cities United Way and the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, including temperature checks, mask requirements and social distancing. No walk-in donations are allowed.

Please schedule an appointment in advance by clicking here, or by contacting Erica Dalager Reed, AFL-CIO Community Services liaison, at edalager [at] stpaulunions [dot] org, or 651-222-3787, ext. 120.