Blood levels low, donations needed

The Chicago area's biggest blood bank is urging donors to step up and give a little -- quickly -- to help replenish a critically low blood supply.

The call for immediate action comes at the end of a traditionally tough season: Summer brings increased demands for blood, while donations typically drop off.

But the dry spell hit even harder this time around.

"It is one of the worst shortages that I have seen in the five years I've been at LifeSource," said Tammy Basile, a LifeSource spokeswoman. "During these difficult times, every single drop counts."

LifeSource's blood supply was lower than usual going into the summer months, she said. Through summer, it hit the typical hurdles -- vacations for routine donors, and fewer blood drives thanks to closed schools and colleges.

Unfortunately, "the need for blood never takes a vacation," Basile said, noting statistics suggest someone needs blood every 2 seconds.

In Chicago now, the supply of Group O blood -- comprising the most common and most useful blood types -- is at 20 percent of its normal level, Basile said. Hospitals are running the risk of having to postpone surgeries.

A steady stream of donors is necessary to pump up the blood levels, Basile said. All blood types are needed.

LifeSource has 23 donation centers, including sites in Arlington Heights, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Mundelein, Naperville and Lake Zurich.

Most are open weekends, and walk-ins are welcome.

For hours, locations or details about mobile drives, go online to www.lifesource.org or call (877) 543-3768.