Heartland Blood Centers answers call for Hurricane Harvey
As Labor Day approaches and many donors are preparing to enjoy the last weekend of summer activities, Heartland Blood Centers is making a special plea to all healthy and eligible people to give the gift of life.
Being the leading provider of donated blood in the Chicago area, Heartland's first responsibility is to meet the transfusion needs of the patients in the 70-plus hospitals.
However, as part of a national alliance, Heartland stands ready to send blood in cases of national emergency.
This past week, when the devastation from Hurricane Harvey crippled blood collections in the affected Texas areas, they are part of a response team that answered the call. Because of the continued flooding and damage, these areas may not be able to collect blood for some time and Heartland Blood Centers is urging our community to donate blood so that we can continue to do our part.
"As a blood center, it feels good to be able to answer the call, but it is only because of the generous support of Heartland's blood donor family who believe in our life-saving mission," said Amy Smith, director of donor recruitment. "Labor Day is traditionally a time when blood donation declines but we cannot afford that to happen this year!
"I urge you to schedule a donation right away and maybe even encourage a friend or family member to come out too! Our greatest need is always for O type blood as it can be used in most emergencies, but patients in our community need all blood types."
As a special thank you, Sept. 1-6, dedicated donors will receive a $10 Target Gift Card and a free Siegel's Pumpkin patch admission. Scheduling is easy when you call (800) 786-4483, go online at www.heartlandbc.org or text APPT to 444-999.
Heartland Blood Centers, established in 1943, is a nonprofit, independent blood center serving the Greater Chicago area. Providing service to 70-plus hospitals in 13 counties including Kane, Kankakee, McHenry, DeKalb, Will, DuPage, Cook, Grundy, Kendall, Lee, Ogle and LaSalle in Illinois, and Lake County in Indiana. Heartland operates under a volunteer donor system with the goal of collecting more than 200,000 units of blood annually. Heartland's first commitment is to meet local blood needs and as participants in a nationwide resource sharing program, Heartland stands ready to assist other parts of the country during severe blood shortages, national emergencies and increased demands by the armed services.
For more information about Heartland or how to donate blood, visit www.heartlandbc.org or call (800) 7-TO-GIVE.