Red Cross to implement new safety measures for donors

Red Cross employees probably have the words “safety first” written on the back of their hands.

Regulations from the Food and Drug Administration, and careful implementation by the blood bankers, help produce the safest blood supply that is humanly possible. A new safety rule will be implemented across the country by Jan. 30.

Volunteer blood donors will be required to show “acceptable” identification at registration. Several items will fit the bill. The first choice is one most people have: a valid driver’s license photo.

The official wording is “government-issued picture identification.” Those words also would cover employee IDs for those working for a government entity, a passport, a military ID, a state ID and a green card, issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. A Red Cross donor card is also acceptable, as is a credit card with photo, a corporate identification card and a current student ID card.

“This new identification rule is very understandable,” said Patricia Callicoat, CEO of the blood services region. “When safety is your first priority, you need to know whose blood you are handling. If a test result shows an irregularity, we need to reach the donor promptly. At the same time, we need to know the donated blood is a benefit to the patient in every way.”

If a potential volunteer blood donor does not have any of the stand-alone IDs, several items can be used together in pairs to make the donation possible. The following list is not all inclusive but it does present many choices. The Red Cross staff will need to see two different ones.

• Social Security card

• Birth certificate or certified copy of the original

• Personal check book with name and address

• Non Red Cross donor ID

• School or college ID

• Grocery store frequent shopper card with user’s name at minimum

• Vehicle registration

• Fishing or hunting license

• Credit card or bank card

• Library card

• Voter registration card

• Insurance card

• Payroll stub

• Selective Service card

Some items are not acceptable including mail, a utility bill or a bank statement.

The Red Cross encourages everyone to consider blood donation as a public responsibility, a sign of maturity. Driving privileges can begin at 16, and the right to serve the country in the military and vote can begin at 18. The right to give blood and save others’ lives comes at 17 and 110 pounds.