GLENVIEW – To address the widespread shortage of donated blood and potentially help treat patients with severe cases of COVID-19, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is hosting a blood drive Thursday, Aug. 27 from noon to 6 p.m. at Glenview Village Hall, located at 2500 E. Lake Avenue.
“Since the pandemic began in March, blood donations have been critically low. With more researchers looking into plasma therapy as a potential COVID-19 treatment, we need more donations from people with antibodies,” said Fine. “Donating blood is always important, but right now it could help us fight this virus.”
All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope blood containing antibodies—also known as convalescent plasma—may help treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.
Fine has partnered with Vitalant to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 877-258-4825 or visit www.Vitalant.org and use the group code 857A.
WHO: State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights)WHAT: Community Blood DriveWHEN: 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020WHERE: Heritage Park, 506 W. Victoria Ln., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie and State Rep. Mark Walker are partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a community blood drive at Heritage Park next Thursday, Aug. 6.
“We currently face a nationwide shortage of blood and platelets,” Gillespie said. “As hospitals reopen for elective surgeries, their blood supply is more vital than ever. Please help our front-line medical workers by making an appointment to give blood.”
"Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen our communities step up time and again for each other,” Walker said. “This blood drive is another way to do that. I'm proud to partner with Senator Gillespie to do what we can to help alleviate the critical blood shortage we are experiencing.”
Appointments are preferred, however walk-ins can be seen if social distancing allows. Blood donors should make an appointment online at bit.ly/BloodDrive-8-6-20.
DES PLAINES – Hospitals have experienced a dire shortage of blood donations during the COVID-19 crisis, inspiring State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to host a community blood drive Wednesday, July 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many blood drives were cancelled, causing a shortage that put many patients at risk,” said Murphy. “Now that we have the necessary safety protocols in place, I encourage healthy people to make an appointment to donate.”