NCH Community Blood Drive August 24

Have you ever wondered how your donated blood is used? According to the American Red Cross, donated blood is useful for a variety of reasons. These include:

• serious injuries, such as those sustained in vehicle accidents
• surgical procedures
• childbirth
• anemia
• blood disorders
• cancer treatments

Remember, you can donate blood if you are 17 years old or older, in good health and you 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. 

Have you given at one of NCH’s Versiti Blood Drives this year? According to the American Red Cross, you may donate whole blood every 56 days, up to 6 times a year. You can donate platelets every 7 days, up to 24 times a year.

Upcoming Community Blood Drive at NCH

Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, in Rooms 6 and 7 of the main hospital to donate blood. Many appointments are still open. To make an appointment online, please visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5599973. 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 Sept. 28; Oct. 26; Nov. 29 and Dec. 21.