The American Legion National Headquarters has launched the “MISSION BLUE POST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT PROGRAM” which is an opportunity for Posts to receive a $1,000 grant from National HQ.
Grant monies to be used towards:
Mortgage or Rent
Utilities
Insurance Premiums
What the Grant is NOT to be used for:
Payroll
Funding Post Projects or Programs
Taxes/Fines/Fees
Lost Revenue
Repairs to Post
Funding Post
Qualifying criteria:
2020 CPR Submitted
IRS 990 is current
Florida Secretary of State Business Filing is up to date
Financial Need
Insurance Declaration Page showing Department and National listed as an additional insured/rider to policy
The American Legion (dba) American Legion National Headquarters
The American Legion Department of Florida, Inc.
Department Adjutant Review and Signature
The Department will review the information from the appropriate agency listed above. We will also verify CPR and Post Certification of Officer forms at Department HQ. The Post is expected to ensure all the information is current and on file or, provide a copy when submitting the application to Department HQ.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith, of Lewiston, New York at the age of 96 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Alfred M. (Paula) Hunt, Jr., Robert L. Hunt, Philip E. (Rose) Hunt, Sandra Granieri; her sister, Colleen (Dennis) Dey; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, September 30th in Lewiston, New York.
Betty was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran and a member of American Legion LaSalle Post 1142, Niagara Falls, NY with 48 continuous years of membership. Betty joined The American Legion in 1972 at Portage Post 1465, Niagara Falls, NY, where she became the first woman to serve as Niagara Co. Commander in 1981. She moved to Florida in 1984 and became a member of Holly Hill Post 120 and then Ormond Beach Post 267. Betty served as 17th District Commander (1988-1989) and Northern Area Commander (1994-1995). Betty returned to Niagara Falls in 1999 and became the first woman Commander of the LaSalle Post 1142 in 2001.
Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through her son, Alfred M. Hunt, Jr., at 736 Powell Ln., Lewiston, NY 14092-1132.
(INDIANAPOLIS, January 10, 2021) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization called on President Trump to order the lowering of U.S. flags at the White House and all federal buildings in honor of a Capitol police officer who was killed in Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“Brian Sicknick was an Iraq war veteran and an American hero,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “I was pleased to learn that the U.S. Capitol lowered the flag above it on Friday. The governor of New Jersey also ordered the lowering of flags in Mr. Sicknick’s home state. Mr. President, do the right thing and lower the flags that are under your authority to half-staff in honor of this hero who gave his life defending the house of the people.”
(INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2021) — The nation’s largest veterans organization paid tribute today to Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Hall of Fame manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Army veteran and Legionnaire who died Jan. 7 at 93.
“Tommy Lasorda didn’t just bleed Dodger blue – he bled red, white and blue,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “As a faithful ally in our efforts to protect the U.S. flag from desecration, Tommy always summed it up the best: ‘Speech is when you talk.’ He will be remembered as one of the greatest personalities in baseball, as well as a patriot. We are grateful to have had him among the Legion’s ranks.”
During his 20 years as manager of the Dodgers, Lasorda won two World Championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 1998, Lasorda testified in support of a proposed constitutional amendment that would return to Congress the right to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag.
A member of American Legion Post 227 in Tustin, Calif., Lasorda served in the Army from 1945 to 1947, putting his baseball career on hold. He received The American Legion Past Department Commander’s Club James V. Day “Good Guy” award in 1999.
(INDIANAPOLIS, January 6, 2021) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization unequivocally condemned today’s attacks on the U.S. Capitol and called for law and order to be quickly restored in Washington.
“The Capitol is the people’s house. An attack on the Capitol is an attack on all of us,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said. “Just as The American Legion has condemned prior attacks and riots in other cities, we condemn it here. Regardless of whether the violence is inflicted by right-leaning groups, left-leaning groups or unaffiliated civilians, it is never acceptable. This is not how we do things in America. We believe in civil discourse to resolve our differences. The entire American Legion Family proudly stands with the law enforcement officers and National Guard members who are risking their lives to restore safety.”
(WASHINGTON—December 23, 2020) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans’ organization called for Congress to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“The American Legion is disappointed that the president vetoed this important legislation, which would benefit our current servicemembers and veterans of previous generations,” James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion said. “The NDAA passed with overwhelming support because Democrats and Republicans agree that it is good for America. The virtues of the NDAA have not changed since the president’s veto. We ask Congress to use the powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution and override the president’s veto. Our troops deserve a pay raise and our Vietnam veterans continue to suffer the ill-effects of Agent Orange. The NDAA addresses these issues and much more.”
(INDIANAPOLIS, December 12, 2020) — In February, American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford called on Congress to investigate allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a veteran for reporting a sexual assault at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, the VA’s Inspector General reported that VA leadership did not follow up or ensure the medical center had been implementing VA’s anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault efforts. Oxford issued the following statement concerning the findings of the IG:
“The American Legion has long supported legislation that brings accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have also called for the equal and respectful treatment of women veterans. It is unfair to expect accountability from the nearly 400,000 VA employees and not demand the same from its top executive. It is clear that Secretary Robert Wilkie failed to meet the standard that the veteran who came forward with the complaint deserved. VA’s own website includes a pledge to Stand Up to Stop Harassment Now! The document states that VA is ‘committed to a harassment-free health care environment for everyone and will not tolerate harassment of any kind.’ Clearly, that did not occur in this case. During one of my visits to a VA hospital, I was asked to sign the same pledge and gladly did so. By the promises set forth by his own department, The American Legion believes Secretary Wilkie should resign. Wilkie’s top lieutenants Pam Powers, James Hutton and Curt Cashour should also step down because of their roles in this violation of trust.”
(WASHINGTON—December 9, 2020) – The head of the nation’s largest veteran’s organization called for the White House and Senate to reach an agreement on the proposed National Defense Authorization Act, which contains many provisions that The American Legion strongly supports. The House of Representatives passed the NDAA last night with a veto-proof majority.
“There are many items in the proposed legislation which would improve the quality of life not just for our military members, but for our Vietnam veterans as well,” James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion said. “Moreover, we hope that President Trump agrees that an issue as important as liability for social media companies is important enough to debate on its own merits and should not be part of the NDAA.”
Oxford singled out the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act as “a life-changing provision that is included in the NDAA which will benefit more than 34,000 Vietnam veterans and their families.” The amendment, secured by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., would add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism to the list of service-connected presumptions associated with Agent Orange exposure.
“Additionally, the defense bill increases troop strength and includes a 3 percent pay raise which our military members certainly deserve,” Oxford added. “The American Legion has always advocated for a strong national defense and quality care for our country’s veterans. We believe that the NDAA goes a long way toward strengthening America.”
With a heavy heart, I announce my formal resignation as your Department Adjutant for the Department of Florida American Legion effective July 2, 2021. After 14 years in this role, I feel it is the right time to move aside and allow younger veterans to steer us toward the future.
I am proud of the work we have done together to refocus our energies on our veterans by creating Project Vet Relief, the American Legion License plate, and now the medical program for our families.
Thanks to the passion of our incredible team of dedicated and talented Department Staff, Legion Family Members, our committed DEC, and the hundreds of volunteers in local American Legion Posts, we are taking giant leaps together to grow a powerful Florida Legion that is rededicated to service at the individual, community, and state level.
will always love Florida Legion and all of you who have touched my heart. I look forward to working side by side with you as a volunteer to accomplish this first great mission of our second one hundred years of service.
Commander Rick Johnson is appointing a Search Committee for screening and recommending to the Department Executive a candidate for the position of Department Adjutant. Individuals interested in submitting a resume, please see the attached job posting for qualification requirements and details on how to submit.
(INDIANAPOLIS—December 8, 2020) – American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement today concerning the death of legendary pilot Chuck Yeager:
“America lost a great veteran last night but heaven gained a great pilot. Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager was as brave as he was fast. He was not only the first to break the sound barrier but he was a World War II fighter ace. The one-time private in the Army Air Forces lived to see the creation of the U.S. Space Force. The history of America’s aviation success simply could not be told without including significant space to Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, one of the greatest pilots that ever lived. We extend our condolences to his family. He was a real American hero.”
The American Legion to sponsor the No. 48
driven by racing legends, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Kanaan
INDIANAPOLIS (December 1, 2020) – Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today a multi-year agreement with the nation’s largest veterans service organization, The American Legion, as a sponsor of the No. 48 Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES represented by a combination of Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson (street and road courses) and former Indianapolis 500 Winner and Series Champion Tony Kanaan (ovals).
“We’re excited about this new relationship with The American Legion as it allows us to further the sponsorship program on the No. 48 team with Jimmie and Tony, while also representing a very important relationship with an organization dedicated to supporting veterans,” said Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “Jimmie in particular has a long-standing appreciation for the service of veterans, so it was just another reason why partnering with The American Legion on his debut in the NTT INDYCAR made sense.”
The American Legion will be featured prominently on Johnson’s No. 48 Honda during every race in the 2021 and 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The organization will also be the primary paint scheme for two races in 2021, including, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend. Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, will be behind the wheel for those races.
“This is truly a win-win for all involved,” said James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “Teaming up with Chip Ganassi Racing allows The American Legion to showcase how it strengthens America every day through its programs, advocacy and support of veterans and their families. We’re looking forward to bringing that message and our mission to race fans across the country.”
The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, a day of global giving designed to help change
communities and the world. As a result, Johnson, who has family members that have served in the
military, will be making a $10,000 donation to The American Legion. Johnson hopes his donation will
motivate fans and the public to support our veterans by donating $48 to The American Legion. The $48
pays homage to the number 48 car that he and Kanaan will drive. Donors can visit legion.org/48 to make
a gift and help celebrate this new relationship and veterans across the country.
“Our family knows firsthand how important it is to recognize our veterans,” said Johnson, who’s
grandfathers and brother-in-law served in the military. “It’s exciting to be partnering with The American
Legion to be able to show our appreciation to veterans and to continue to raise public awareness and
support for this special organization. Giving Tuesday is a great day to announce this partnership and a
way for fans to show their appreciation for our veterans.”
About Chip Ganassi Racing
Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 30 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include four cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, and one car in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Extreme E. Overall, his teams have 20 championships and over 225 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, eight Rolex 24 At Daytonas, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh. For more information log onto www.chipganassiracing.com
INDIANAPOLIS (November 24, 2020) — National Commander of The American Legion James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement regarding the 2020 elections:
“The American people have spoken and their wishes should be honored and respected. The American Legion congratulates President-elect Joe Biden. We look forward to working with our nation’s commander in chief in providing a high quality of life for veterans and their families, maintaining a strong military and promoting patriotic programs to benefit future generations. It has been a tough campaign for both major presidential candidates and they are to be commended for their service. The coronavirus pandemic and its related economic consequences have caused great pain throughout the United States and the world. The American Legion offers our assistance and support to help the incoming administration defeat this deadly virus. We also congratulate the recently elected members of Congress and public office holders at every level. When it comes to advancing America’s interests, the 117th Congress will always find an informed and eager partner in The American Legion. We offer our same support to President Trump, who remains our president until January 20, 2021.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) fulfills its mission of “providing benefits and services to Veterans, their families, and survivors in a responsive, timely, and compassionate manner in recognition of their service to the Nation.”
Due to the pandemic, VBA discontinued all in-person disability exams on April 3, 2020. The exams allow VBA to determine the severity of veterans’ service-related illnesses or injuries, which in turn determines the monthly benefits VBA pays disabled veterans. To continue
providing some exams, VBA relied on telemental health and reviews of acceptable clinical evidence (ACE).
ACE exams are based on a review of medical records and history without an in-person clinical exam or testing but may include a telephone or video interview.
The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to assess
How VBA scheduled and conducted exams during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit veterans’ exposure, minimize claims-processing delays, and ensure claims are not prematurely denied due to missed or canceled in-person exams; and
VBA’s strategy for addressing the inventory of disability exams delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Nov. 17 via a virtual streaming ceremony, The American Legion will present its Patriot Award to Dr. Mike Haynie and Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families. To view the ceremony at 10 a.m. ET Nov. 17, click here.
The Patriot Award is given by The American Legion to recognize great deeds and exemplary acts of service; previous recipients include former Indiana Gov. and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates, Vietnam War U.S. Army combat nurse Diane Carlson Evans and South Korean multinational electronics leader Samsung.
Following the presentation of the award, American Legion Past National Commander Fang Wong and Dr. Haynie, IVMF’s founder and Syracuse University’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, are scheduled to discuss topics including higher education for veterans, training for transitioning veterans and the challenges associated with being newly disenfranchised from service. To submit a question in advance for the discussion, click here
Alexander Hamilton understood. “Justice and humanity forbid the abandoning to want and misery men who have spent their best years in the military service of a country or who in service had contracted infirmities which disqualify them to earn bread in other modes,” the architect of America’s financial system said.
The men and women who have earned the title “veteran” during modern times are a much more diverse group than the continental troops that Hamilton led during the Revolutionary war. But nonetheless, the sentiment is still valid.
The organization that I lead, The American Legion, believes no veteran should be abandoned. We believe veterans have earned the opportunity to thrive. To succeed. To live the American dream. In short, veterans are our nation’s greatest asset.
Veterans Day, November 11, can be traced back to the 1918 armistice which ended World War I. That great moment which was intended to usher in a new era of world peace, also occurred in the middle of a global pandemic.
The veterans of a century ago did not have a state-of-the art health care system to respond to their wounds and ailments. They did not have a GI Bill to help them obtain higher education or home loans. They did not have veterans’ preference laws to help ensure meaningful job opportunities. But they did have a brand new organization of wartime veterans known as The American Legion. It was the advocacy of this group that would help veterans achieve all of these things and much more.
Today’s veterans are hurting once again. Military suicides have increased 20 percent this year. Veteran-owned businesses have closed or struggled immensely during the pandemic-related shutdowns. Instead of returning to the warm embrace of an appreciative nation, veterans feel even more isolated as they come home to a society changed by social distancing and a healthcare system that is at times overwhelmed by the coronavirus.
Patriotic citizens often ask The American Legion about the appropriate way to honor a veteran. The simplest way is to thank one. Flying the American Flag on Veterans Day or donating to a veterans charity are also appreciated gestures. Those in a position to do so should consider hiring veterans, which not only benefits the job-seeker but is often a smart business move.
The American Legion has developed an extensive Buddy Check program, in which we encourage our members to regularly communicate with their fellow veterans. We are simply telling our brothers and sisters-in-arms that we appreciate them and that we are there for them. We offer to help those in need. We listen to their concerns as comrades with a common bond.
Our Buddy Checks have resonated. Both houses of Congress are now considering bipartisan legislation which would raise awareness about suicide prevention among veterans by promoting these peer wellness checks. It would establish a Buddy Check week and direct the secretary of Veterans Affairs to consult with nonprofit organizations, mental health experts and members of the Armed Forces to develop and implement education opportunities on conducting effective and appropriate checks.
So, if you’re looking for another way to honor veterans this Veterans Day, you might want to contact your representative and senators. Ask them to support S. 4657 and H.R. 4290 to enact a federally-backed Buddy Check program.
“Someone in your life needs to hear that they matter. That they are loved. That they have a future. Be the one to tell them.” an Army veteran said this year. Unfortunately the words were the final ones shared by Ronnie McNutt, who live-steamed his suicide on social media.
Did you catch his final plea? “Be the one to tell them.”
That, more than anything else, is the best way to honor a veteran.
Posts across the country step up veteran-to-veteran outreach to support those at high risk around Veterans Day
INDIANAPOLIS (October 29, 2020) — As COVID-19 cases rise and the holidays approach, The American Legion is activating its Buddy Check program to save veteran lives through peer support check-in calls. The nation’s largest veterans organization is also urging Congress to pass the Buddy Check Bill which will make wellness checks a national priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs. With military suicides up 20% over this time last year, Legionnaires will make thousands of check-in calls to at-risk veterans across the nation, to offer support and access to health and wellness programs in the week surrounding Veterans Day and into the weeks ahead.
“The American Legion knows from 100 years of experience that it’s veteran-to-veteran contact that can make the difference for someone in a crisis situation,” says James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “So, we’re putting some muscle behind this effort and giving our members the tools they need to reach out to fellow veterans in their hometowns who may be hard hit by the triple whammy of the pandemic, isolation and the holidays.”
The American Legion is also urging Congress to unanimously pass the Buddy Check Bill introduced with bi-partisan support from Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Doug Jones, D-Ala.; and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. The legislation will require VA to establish a “Buddy Check Week,” as well as provide educational opportunities, materials and references for veterans to learn how to conduct personal wellness checks. The bill also compels VA to expand resources for the Veterans Crisis Line to handle any potential increased volume during the designated week.
“Veterans are in crisis, and we need Congress’ help to take this program to the next level and stem the tide of suicide among our nation’s veterans,” Oxford said. “We need all hands on deck and all boots on the ground to fight for our nation’s veterans, just like they fought for us.”
The Buddy Check program encourages Legionnaires to make contact, lend a listening ear, and direct their peers to critical services. For Buddy Check information, visit legion.org/buddycheck. For urgent help, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.
Congratulations to Department Historian, Edward Lewis, for winning first place in the 2020 contest of The American Media Alliance, in the “Visual Media Campaign-Department” category.
Lewis was selected out of nearly 100 entries in this year’s contest. Judging was initially set to take place at the National Spring Meetings, National Convention or Fall Meetings, but with the current pandemic, National Headquarters staff served as judges, approved by a three-member TALMA task force and by the full commission at the last virtual commission meet.
INDIANAPOLIS (October 2, 2020) – American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement regarding the announcement that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19:
“The American Legion extends its heartfelt prayers that President Trump and the first lady have a full and speedy recovery from COVID-19. Our nation has accomplished remarkable feats in its history. We have prevailed against powerful enemies. We can, we must and we WILL defeat this dread disease that has caused so much pain and damage worldwide.”
With a current membership of nearly two million veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 12,000 posts across the nation.
Dept of Human & Health Services Dept of Veteran Affairs Dept of Defense Convalescent Plasma / HiG Group
Today we are announcing the launch of a nationwide effort to help those who are currently suffering from COVID-19 by collecting convalescent plasma from Americans who have recovered from the virus.
What is plasma? Plasma is a liquid component of blood. When it is collected from patients who have recovered from COVID-19, it is known as COVID-19 convalescent plasma.
A group of investigators from several institutions have shown that convalescent plasma is safe for use in patients, and they are collecting and analyzing data to determine how effective it is.
Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients has antibodies that can fight the disease in patients who are currently sick.
Donating your plasma will not weaken your body’s ability to fight off the virus that causes COVID-19.
To reach every possible donor, we are joining forces with The Fight Is In Us an existing national plasma collection effort. We are also working with the OneBlood, Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, and multiple federal agencies and state, local, community officials in cities and counties across the country to help donors find a collection site near them.
We are encouraging anyone who has fully recovered from COVID-19 for at least two weeks to donate their plasma. The good news for those who need treatment is that recovered individuals can donate their plasma more than once, because your body replenishes the plasma in your blood.
Donating is easy and safe and takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours. The collection process uses sterile tubing and supplies for each donation which are discarded after each collection and are never reused.
There are hundreds of FDA licensed donor centers and hospitals across the country where plasma can be donated.
If you are willing to step up to help other Americans, you can find your nearest donor centers on the website The Fight Is In Us. We hope you can contribute to our country in this time of need.
Overall Objective
Overall Objective
The objective of messaging/announcements is to communicate
Information about CCP and the rationale behind need for patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate Convalescent Plasma (CCP) as a POTENTIAL treatment for COVID-19
Who could be eligible donors, explain the need, and address common questions/concerns
How to donate – available resources for information, locating nearest plasma collection centers
Strategy and actions of USG in driving awareness and facilitating CCP collections
Clinical Context: The clinical evidence on efficacy of CCP as a potential treatment for patients infected with COVID-19 is STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. Currently there are limited treatment options that directly combat the virus. Convalescent plasma offers one potential way to help patients fight the disease. As there are no FDA approved treatments for this disease, CCP is being clinically evaluated to determine its efficacy for treatment of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma
What is COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma?
Plasma is a fluid & protein component of blood. When it is collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus disease, it is known as “COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma” or “CCP”. COVID-19 patients develop antibodies – proteins developed by the immune system to help fight infections, which then circulate in the blood plasma for a period after the patient has recovered from the virus. This plasma (the fluid containing antibodies, other proteins) can be collected from a recovered patient and transfused into the blood of a sick patient to help them combat the virus.
Why is CCP important to fight COVID-19?
Currently there are limited treatment options that directly combat the virus. Convalescent plasma offers one potential way to help patients fight the disease. As there are no FDA approved treatments for this disease, CCP is being clinically evaluated to determine its efficacy for treatment of COVID-19.
How effective is CCP to fight COVID-19?
Studies investigating the efficacy of CCP are ongoing. Early results from the FDA’s Expanded Access Program show that CCP is safe for use in patients, but more data is being collected and analyzed to determine its efficacy.
Donor Eligibility & Questions/Concerns
Donor Eligibility & Questions/Concerns
Who can donate?
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 for at least 14 days are encouraged to consider donating plasma. Individuals must have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a clinical test and meet other donor criteria for blood or plasma donation, as specified by the collection facility.
Can people who are asymptomatic to coronavirus disease donate?
CCP sourced from people who are asymptomatic to coronavirus disease could be helpful in fighting COVID-19 as well. Therefore, asymptomatic individuals are encouraged to consider donating plasma. Individuals must have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test and meet other donor criteria for blood or plasma donation, as specified by the collection facility.
Can people who are unsure if they are infected by COVID-19 donate?
Individuals who are unsure if they are infected are recommended to get tested for COVID-19. To donate CCP, individuals must have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 and meet other donor criteria for blood or plasma donation, as specified by the collection facility.
Can individuals who were not infected with COVID-19 still donate blood?
People who have not been infected with COVID-19 are encouraged to continue donating blood or plasma for other medical purposes to help blood centers across the country cope with rising demand for blood supply.
Will I lose my immunity to COVID-19 if I donate my plasma?
Donating plasma does not significantly weaken your body’s immune system or its ability to fight off the virus that causes COVID-19.
How safe is plasma donation?
Thousands of people safely donate plasma every day. The collection process uses sterile tubing and supplies for each donation. The tubing and supplies are discarded after each collection and are never reused. Blood does not come in contact with the collection machine. Donors can visit the blood centers and source plasma collector websites for more information about safety precautions available at collection facilities
What precautions are donor centers taking to ensure the safety of donors from re-infection?
In addition to regular precautions and safety mechanisms, several extra precautions are taken to prevent re-infection of COVID-19. These are a few of the extra precautions that donor centers take:
Pre-entry screening for COVID-19
Following social distancing guidelines
Enhanced personal protective equipment used by staff
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures
Donation Process
Donation Process
Where can plasma be donated?
There are hundreds of FDA licensed donor centers and hospitals across the United States where plasma can be donated. Donors can donate at blood centers – American Red Cross or America’s Blood Centers, such as OneBlood. Donors can also give at source plasma collectors. Donors can find their nearest donor centers by visiting one of the links on the FDA website or thefightisinus.org.
How many times can a donor donate?
Individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and are willing to donate their blood plasma are encouraged to donate as many times as allowed by the donor center. Donor centers may have additional guidelines. Generally, an individual can donate their plasma multiple times, based on guidelines from donors and the collection center. We encourage donors to donate as many times as possible to maximize CCP availability. Consulting a doctor is recommended to address any concerns or to seek additional guidance.
How long does it take?
Depending on the collection facility, a CCP donation takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours . Return visits for additional donations can often be quicker as the donor’s information is already in the system.
FAQs: USG Strategy Efforts to Encourage Donation & Collection
FAQs: USG Strategy Efforts to Encourage Donation & Collection
How is the US Government raising awareness?
Efforts were initiated across three main streams:
A broad-based national awareness effort is being pursued, through FDA website and The Fight Is In Us campaign to promote awareness on CCP donation, provide donor resources and directions to the collection centers for donation
Multiple USG agencies and external stakeholders like state / local / community officials, leaders and celebrities are being engaged to explore mechanisms to engage patients / donors at a local / community level.
Furthermore, external organizations are also being engaged to help with direct donor outreach – to known confirmed recovered patients (e.g., associations of providers/physicians, commercial payers, public health and contact tracing agencies, etc.).
Is there enough collection capacity to handle donations?
The USG is coordinating with major blood / plasma collection centers, hospitals and source plasma collectors across public and private sectors to monitor and assess collection capacity needs. Active steps are being taken to expand collection capabilities in prioritized hotspot areas to cover white spaces and make collection centers accessible to areas with high density of donor population.
How is USG expanding collection capabilities?
In hotspot areas with high incidence of infections and high density of potential donor population, collection capacity is being expanded along two fronts:
Current capacity is being maximized by expanding existing collection facilities for blood / plasma collection, academic medical centers and hospitals
New capacity is being created through temporary collection centers and fleet of mobile collection units – to extend accessibility to potential donors
What areas should be prioritized to encourage donation?
Areas with high population of eligible donors – those who have recovered from COVID-19 and meet regular plasma donation criteria, are being prioritized. As the rates of incidence of infections (over past ~8 weeks) keep evolving across the country, the priority areas are updated. Initial focus includes 15 hotspot areas with a high density of potential donors. Within these priority areas, local awareness campaigns and direct donor outreach are planned to maximize CCP awareness and donations.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith, of Lewiston, New York at the age of 96 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Alfred M. (Paula) Hunt, Jr., Robert L. Hunt, Philip E. (Rose) Hunt, Sandra Granieri; her sister, Colleen (Dennis) Dey; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, September 30th in Lewiston, New York.
(INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2021) — The nation’s largest veterans organization paid tribute today to Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Hall of Fame manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Army veteran and Legionnaire who died Jan. 7 at 93.
