Here is a compilation of helpful services offered during this challenging time, and of needs that have arisen given the circumstances of the coronavirus. Please send information concerning recent needs or ways to help to Hollyp@cdapress.com

Help available:

• Dr. Meg Green, a local clinical psychologist and neurobehavioral consultant who specializes in performance psychology, wishes to support our local medical staff and providers by expanding her telehealth hours to better meet their needs. She is also offering half-off, discounted rates for mental health providers, all medical personnel and first responders. Fluid Intelligence, PLLC, 208-907-6441 or F-Intel.com

Help needed:

• It’s extremely important right now for healthy people to make a blood donation today!

Coronavirus fears have severely impacted the U.S. blood supply, as blood centers across the country are struggling to avoid a critical shortage. Nearly 60 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the state. Twenty-five percent of Vitalant’s anticipated collections for March have dropped with the school closures and business shutdowns.

Vitalant has six centers across the Inland Northwest and is the sole blood provider to more than 35 area hospitals. They need at least 200 donors a day to meet patient needs.

Sick people should not donate blood, as blood centers do not test for the coronavirus. Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols at its blood drives and donation centers. Giving blood has no impact on the donor’s immune system.

Vitalant will continue to closely monitor the situation and will quickly implement any necessary changes as new information emerges from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA.

Schedule an appointment by calling Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visiting vitalant.org.

You can also make appointments at www.redcrossblood.org/