Vitalant to host blood drive at Gurnee Mills May 29

Vitalant, formerly LifeSource, encourages new and existing donors of all blood types to honor those members of the Armed Forces who gave their all by donating blood this Memorial Day weekend. Gurnee Mills is partnering with Vitalant to hold a blood drive on Saturday, May 29th from 10 am - 4 pm in a space near Entrance B. As a token of appreciation, all presenting donors will receive a Vitalant blood donor ball cap via mail. In addition, the first 30 donors of the day will each receive a swag bag & a $10 gift card to a select group of retailers within Gurnee Mills.

"Summer is historically a very difficult time for blood donation as people get busy with outdoor activities and travel and this year is no exception, even with the pandemic," said Holly Seese, Communications Manager with Vitalant. "We are already seeing our blood donation numbers decline in the month of May and we need to replenish the supply before summer is in full swing and blood donations fall even further." All donors are encouraged to be well-hydrated and to eat prior to donation. Appointments are highly recommended to ensure social distancing.

How to Give

All Vitalant blood drives and donation centers follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of donors, patients and staff, including social distancing, requiring face masks along with other precautions. To learn more and schedule an appointment to give, please visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) and use Group Code M62.

COVID-19 Vaccine

People who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are immediately eligible to give blood, platelets or plasma if they meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria. There is no waiting period.

Potential Donors who are not available on the Saturday may donate at any of Vitalant's 17 Donation Centers across Chicagoland including one conveniently located in Gurnee on Grand Avenue.