St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Okawville will host a Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, November 19. All donors will also be eligible to receive a COVID antibody test.

The blood drive will be held in the parish center from 2 – 6 p.m., though an appointment will be required for donors.

According to the Red Cross, anyone who donates will have their blood screened for COVID antibodies. This antibody test assesses whether the donor’s immune system has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present.

Donors who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may have the unique opportunity to help patients fighting the disease by donating convalescent plasma that can be used to attack the virus in patients currently battling the illness.

The results of the antibody test will be available within two weeks of the donation on the Red Cross Blood Donor app or online.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test, and a positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity; a positive antibody test indicates potential prior exposure to the virus.

For more information or to schedule a donation, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999.