Blood donation exempt from shelter in place order

With the shelter in place directives now implemented in Illinois, the federal government has issued a guidance around COVID-19 related to blood donation.

That guidance reminds the public that Versiti Blood Center of Illinois donor centers across the state remain open because of the critical nature of blood donation to our country. Healthy donors are still needed to ensure an adequate blood supply.

A number of community blood drives are also being held when possible.

According to the governor’s executive order, individuals are allowed to leave their residence for health care and public health operations, including organizations that collect blood, platelets and plasma.

Staff at donor centers and community blood drives are using precautions consistent with the CDC and the American Association of Blood Banks recommendations while collecting donations.

These include: prescreening both staff and donors for COVID-19 symptoms, complying with social distancing throughout the donation process, beds six feet apart and/or separated by a partition, wiping down surface areas and beds, and providing only packaged snacks and drinks.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-7TO-GIVE (1-800-786-4483) or visit versiti.org/Illinois.