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Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.-10th) is encouraging Virginians to donate blood following the decline in contributions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Since the outbreak of the respiratory illness in the U.S., Americans have been urged to practice social distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Wexton donated blood Sunday at the Inova Dulles Donor Center.

“The need for blood is constant, and donating is an important way people can make a difference,” Wexton said in a prepared statement. “Everyone needs to be practicing responsible social distancing right now, but we need people to know that giving blood is safe and that their donations will save lives. There’s a critical need in our community and across the country."

With the short shelf life of blood, Wexton said the supply must be continually replenished to ensure supply can meet demand. Regardless of the spread of COVID-19, cancer patients, those with blood disorders, trauma victims and others continue to need life-saving blood transfusions.

Wexton reiterated the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s message that the virus poses no known risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks said in a prepared statement, “Blood donation centers can facilitate the safe donation of blood because they are skilled in infection control practices and already have procedures in place to prevent the spread of infections. Blood donation centers always take steps to prevent staff and donors who are not feeling well or who have a fever from reaching the donor area, and they are now taking additional social distancing precautions wherever possible, consistent with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.”

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-Appointments to give blood with Inova can be made here.

-Appointments to give blood with the American Red Cross here.