Blood Drive Sept 21 to Address Critical Shortage

Donors are encouraged to give blood this week at a Community Blood Drive at Vernon Area Public Library on Thursday, September 21, to help address a dangerous supply shortage in Illinois.

Earlier this week, Versiti Blood Center of Illinois issued an emergency appeal for blood donations. The organization, which supplies more than 85 hospitals in the area, currently has less than a one-day supply on the shelves. A shortage means medical resources are unavailable for both routine procedures and unexpected crises.

“This is the lowest our blood inventory has been in over a year, which could mean that blood is not available when it’s needed the most,” said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti. 

A Community Blood Drive will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Sign up online.

All blood types are needed, with types O-positive and O-negative most in demand. O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and be in generally good health. Most prescription medicines are acceptable. 

The drive is presented in partnership with Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Village of Lincolnshire.