Christ Church blood drive Aug. 6 aims to serve 70 area hospitals
Lifeblood by its very definition is what sustains us as living beings.
During this season of uncertainty and widespread health calamity, supplies of blood are extra valuable.
That's why Christ Church Oak Brook has teamed up with the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to hold a blood drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the church's Oak Brook campus, 501 Oak Brook Road.
Donating is safe and can help save someone's life as there is no artificial substitution for human blood.
Versiti administrators state that since the national quarantine due to COVID-19 more than 600 blood drives were cancelled.
"We don't have confirmed blood drives at our high schools and colleges like we normally do," said Camille Piazza, account representative at Versiti. "Over a third of donations come from our colleges and high schools. Coupled with folks having some apprehension about coming out to donate, that's why we are in urgent need right now."
Versiti works with more than 70 hospitals in the Chicago region to keep donated blood within the area - something that is sorely needed after a weekend of a lot of trauma, she said.
"We are thrilled to be working with Christ Church and its community because we need to offset this potential shortage. The current environment could create a health crisis because we aren't at these businesses and schools anymore because of COVID-19," Piazza said.
To ensure donor safety at all donor centers and community blood drives, Versiti has implemented increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures based upon the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control guidance.
In addition, Versiti requires all employees and donors to wear cloth face coverings. The temperature and clinical symptoms of all potential blood donors and staff is also taken.
To participate in the Aug. 6 blood drive at Christ Church Oak Brook and for additional information, including a safety FAQ, the public should register first online at ChristChurch.us/blooddrive to reserve a donor time.
Versiti encourages donors to boost iron intake and hydrate well a few days before donating blood as well as get plenty of rest. Foods rich in iron include lean beef, chicken, turkey, dark leafy greens like spinach, or beans, cashews and whole grain and enriched breads.
Throughout the year, Christ Church offers a number of public service events, including a food pantry. For more information about Christ Church, visit ChristChurch.us. Weekend worship services are currently livestreamed on Sundays at 9 a.m. for Classic and 10:45 a.m. for Contemporary. The church has implemented a soft reopening plan, which includes limited outdoor worship.
Founded in 1965, Christ Church is a multisite, nondenominational church in the Chicago suburbs with more than 6,000 members. Christ Church features a variety of inspiring worship options including classic, classic communion and contemporary services. All people are offered the opportunity to build life-changing relationships with God and one another with a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at creating positive change in the world. Weekend services are held at the Oak Brook and Butterfield (formerly Downers Grove) locations, as well as via livestream at ChristChurch.us/online. For more information, visit ChristChurch.us.