Texas flooding prompts LifeSource call for blood donors across Chicago area
AUGUST 28, 2017 - ROSEMONT, IL - Blood donors across the Chicago area and throughout the entire U.S. are being asked to give blood as soon as possible over the next several days to help ensure patient blood needs can continue to be met despite the effects of Hurricane Harvey.
In the wake of the storm, many blood drives have been canceled and donor centers closed in the affected areas. With more sustained rain forecast, these cancellations and closures are likely to rise. LifeSource needs the community's help to ensure a safe and adequate supply not only for the local community but for the communities impacted by this massive storm.
Type O blood donations are the most critically needed at this time, however all blood types are welcome. LifeSource is urging both existing and first-time donors to make and keep appointments over the next several days and in the coming weeks.
Visit www.lifesource.org or call (877) 543-3768 to schedule an appointment at one of the 17 donor centers.
Some of the local community donor centers are located in: Arlington Heights: 25 W. Rand Road, Arlington Annex Shopping Center; Crystal Lake: 5150 Northwest Hwy.; Glenview: 2510 Waukegan Road; Gurnee: 5250-1 Grand Ave.; Lake Bluff: 223 Waukegan Road, Carriage Way Plaza; Naperville: 2764 Aurora Ave.; Schaumburg: 211 W. Golf Road; Villa Park: 100 E. Roosevelt Road, Suite 40-41; and Westmont: 1133 Fairview Ave.
Walk-ins are welcome at any of the locations.
"The timing of this storm is especially concerning as we approach the Labor Day - a time when donations dramatically decline across the country due to the three-day holiday weekend," said LifeSource Executive Director Eva Quinley.
In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. The donation appointment takes about an hour (with the donation itself only around ten minutes) and is both safe and comfortable. Donors must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 years of age with parental consent).
Proper ID is required to donate blood. A LifeSource or military ID, driver's license or employee badge with a picture and full name are all approved forms of ID. A birth certificate along with a picture ID that includes the donor's full name will also be accepted.