North Carolina, Raleigh- Undocumented immigrants can also donate blood in North Carolina at any of the American Red Cross campaigns, if they meet the necessary requirements, as reported to Enlace Latino NC Mariana Vimbela Bozano of the Greater Carolinas Region.
“You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to donate blood. The American Red Cross doesn't ask donors whether they are citizens or not.” Bozano assured about the possibility that The latinos undocumented individuals to be voluntary donors, but clarified that “all eligibility requirements must be met and we also ask about their health and travel history.”
What do I need to donate?
To donate blood it is necessary to provide a valid address and identification. Both the address and the ID can be from other countries if you do not have a local ID or a local address in your name.
Can undocumented immigrants donate blood?
“A non-citizen can have other identification documents than a citizen has, such as a driver's license, birth certificate, credit cards. We also accept residence cards and consular registration,” Bozano highlighted.
For her, who works in western North Carolina, “concerns about citizenship status may result in some individuals or communities being hesitant to donate blood.”
However, “the American Red Cross works to clarify these concerns by providing accurate information about donation requirements and maintaining confidentiality.”
“There is no substitute for blood. When a patient receives a blood transfusion, they are a generous donor who is giving it in advance,” said Megan Robinson, executive director of the American Red Cross Serving Western North Carolina.
Robinson explained that anyone who wants to be a donor can sign up for a local blood drive by visiting www.redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor app on a smartphone.
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