Blood bank calls for donations

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is calling on healthy people to donate blood to help counteract a decline in donations during the past week because of concerns about the coronavirus.

More than 58 blood drives have been canceled, resulting in more than 1,300 blood donations not collected.

Versiti supplies 71 Illinois and Indiana hospitals with blood, and the company on Tuesday said the available stock is at "a concerning level."

The process of donating blood itself poses no risk or contracting the virus for donors, Versisi Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Abshire said in a news release. And Versiti is implementing increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures in all donor centers and mobile donation units.

"People need people," Abshire said. "We've relied on the generosity and compassion of our donors during previous challenging times and we are confident that they will once again answer the call."

Anyone 17 or older and in good health is encouraged to donate during a process that takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID when they arrive. To donate, call (800) 786-4483 or visit versiti.org/illinois.