NCH Community Blood Drive September 28

The American Red Cross offers some facts about the need for blood in the United States.

• Supply doesn’t always meet demand since only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. 
• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
• Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets. 
• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. 
• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
• One donation can help save more than one life.

Remember, you can donate blood if you are 17 years old or older, in good health and weigh more than 110 pounds.

A red blood cell donation takes 30 minutes or less after initial screening, and a platelet donation takes 90 minutes or less after initial screening. Also, donors receive a free wellness exam that includes blood pressure, temperature and pulse checks and a hemoglobin/iron test. 

Upcoming Community Blood Drive at NCH

Join us at a new time: 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 28, in Rooms 6 and 7 of the main hospital to donate blood. Many appointments remain open. To make an appointment online, please visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5599974/. Appointments are preferred; however, walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID and mask are required.NCH works with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and plans to host monthly blood drives throughout 2022 on Oct. 26; Nov. 29 and Dec. 21.