McHenry County Board Chair candidate Mike Buehler to host blood drive June 9 in response to shortage

Mike Buehler, Republican candidate for McHenry County Board Chairman, is doing something about the critical blood shortage in the county. He has set up a blood drive from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the Crystal Lake Rib House, 540 E. Terra Cotta Ave.

Schools and other community centers hosted blood drives until most of those facilities were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, donations of blood are down dramatically, and McHenry County is experiencing the same shortage of blood.

"With the shutdown, a lot of blood drives were canceled," said Buehler. "There's a need and I thought a lot of people in the area would appreciate an opportunity to contribute to help meet that need. For people who usually go to a blood drive that's closed this year, this offers an alternative."

Buehler thanked Crystal Lake Rib House for hosting the event. He added that, due to the coronavirus, participants need to reserve a time for their donation. This will ensure that donors are able to give safely while maintaining social distancing.

The event is part of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers #GiveBloodChallenge.

Participants should be 17 or older (16 with a parent's permission), in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds. The process, once a donor has reserved a time, includes a health screening. The time required for the donation is about 10 to 15 minutes.

Those who wish to donate blood can go to https://bit.ly/Buehler_BloodDrive to set up a time for their donation.