January 10, 2024 – American Red Cross Illinois says blood donations are desperately needed as the country faces its most severe blood supply shortage in 20 years.
Officials report the number of blood donors has fallen by 40% over the past couple of decades. They add that the number of blood donations in recent weeks have been given to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Red Cross officials said there was a nearly 7,000-unit shortfall when it came to blood donations.
ImpactLife Decatur Donor Center is hosting a Community Blood Drive to meet the need.
The blood drive will be at the donation center at 151 W. Main Street, Decatur, IL on the following days:
- Friday, January 12th: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 17th: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Friday, January 19th: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
To schedule an appointment, please call (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 61565 to locate the drive.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 12/6/23 are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is the provider of blood and blood components to more than 125 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In our area, ImpactLife is the exclusive provider to Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital.
