January 21, 2024 – The US is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the number of blood donors has hit an all-time low for the past 20 years. 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.
To help alleviate the shortage in our area, several organizations are hosting blood drives for Impact Life in the coming weeks. Blood and platelet donations are needed to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay.
Laborers Local 159 Community Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, January 30th, 9:00 am -2:00 pm at the Union Hall at 2293 E. Logan St, Decatur, IL. To donate, please contact Jon Grubb at (217) 433-9776 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 61562 to locate the drive.
Richland Community College will host a blood drive on Wednesday, January 31 from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Donor Bus which will be located in the Richland parking lot B at One College Park. To donate to this drive, call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60599 to locate the drive.
St. Patrick School will host a blood drive on Wednesday, January 31 from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm in the Rectory at 412 Jackson Street. To donate to this drive, contact Traci Friel at (217) 423-4351 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60708 to locate the drive.
Macon County Health Department Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, February 7 from 8:30 am – 11:30 am at the Donor Bus which will be located at 1221 East Condit Street. To donate to this drive, you can make an appointment by emailing Crystal Hugger at chugger@maconcounty.illinois.gov or schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60858.
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. 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. Donors are advised to eat before donating.
