NCH Community Blood Drive October 26

Our September Blood Drive collected 31 units which could help up to 93 people. Have you donated lately? Here are some more facts about blood donations.

• 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion each year.
• 43,000 pints: amount of donated blood used each day in the U.S. and Canada.
• About one in seven people entering a hospital need blood.
• Forty-two days: how long most donated red blood cells can be stored.
• Thirteen tests (11 for infectious diseases) are performed on each unit of donated blood.
• If all blood donors gave three times a year, blood shortages would be a rare event. (The current average is about two.).
• If only one percent more of all Americans would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.

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 between 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 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/5599968. Appointments are preferred; however, walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID and mask are required. NCH works with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and has scheduled blood drives on Nov. 29 and Dec. 21.