New Orleans music venues are still unable to host concerts open to the public, but some are using the pandemic as an opportunity to host blood drives throughout the month of June.

In partnership with the New Orleans’ Musicians Clinic and The Blood Center, performance venues Tipitina’s, The Howlin’ Wolf, Snug Harbor, d.b.a. and Ashe Cultural Arts Center will open their doors in an effort to help secure a robust blood supply for the region.

 Social-distancing measures will be implemented during all four blood drives (see the schedule below). Donors must schedule donation appointments in advance to ensure these measures can be implemented effectively. Additionally, all donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

“Clubs and venues are such an important part of New Orleans’ cultural eco-system, so while they remain essentially shuttered, we figure we should do some good and help collect blood at a time when New Orleans really needs it,” says Erica Dudas, Managing Director, New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation. “When The Blood Center reached out, their idea was to find one venue that could accommodate a large amount of blood donors while keeping everyone safe and adhering to social distancing policies,” says Dudas, “but we knew with hurricane season approaching we could do more. So we called on some of the venues we work closely with in New Orleans and asked for help. Within a few hours Tips, Howlin Wolf, Ashe, Snug and d.b.a. were all on board.”

“As we find ourselves living the new normal of life inside a global pandemic, the known normal of hurricane season quickly approaches. COVID-19 has caused a significant dip in blood donations and hurricane season has consistently done the same,” says Jamilah Y. Peters-Muhammad RN BSN FCN Health and Wellness Consultant Ashe Cultural Arts Center. “On average a blood transfusion is needed every 3 seconds,” she adds.  “One blood donation can help up to three people. Ashe maintains as a core value the health and wellness of the community. Join us in supporting the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation in helping to provide this valuable service to our community.  Keep the Beat Alive.“

The schedule and locations of blood drives are as follows:

Saturday, June 6: Tipitina’s
Saturday, June 13: The Howlin Wolf
Saturday, June 20: Snug Harbor and d.b.a.
Saturday, June 27: Ashe Cultural Center

Each blood drive runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Folks can sign up at this link.