The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers {IBEW) Local 176, in conjunction with Vitalant, will host its semi-annual Fred Kempes Memorial Blood Drive from 2 to 7 p.m. May 14 at the 176 West Banquet Hall located at 1100 N E Frontage Road in Joliet.

Fred Kempes was a longtime member and officer of IBEW Local 176. He served many years as the Safety Committee Chairman of IBEW Local 176 and was known for his strong commitment to not only jobsite safety, but community safety and service as well.

Kempes was responsible for initiating the first blood drives at IBEW Local 176.

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating critical blood shortages in the United States. This shortage is not due to more COVID-19 patients needing blood products, it is instead a result of a lack of donations coming in.

Prior to the pandemic, blood banks typically contained a one to two-week inventory on hand. Now a lot of the country is operating with just one to two-day inventories.

The pandemic has led to the cancellation of various community blood drives, but area blood banks rely on these drives.

The IBEW and Vitalant are incorporating all necessary health and safety
protocols, including following strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, to provide a clean and safe environment for everyone at the donation site.

Only healthy people can give blood. Taking into consideration emerging new information about coronavirus, Vitalant is constantly updating their eligibility criteria as new information emerges from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and blood bank industry leaders.

This urgent need for blood is unlike shortages in the past. To get past this and through the
summer months, when the blood supply is historically low, it is crucial that healthy, eligible donors give blood.

Donations will be taken by appointment only. If you or someone you know would like to donate, call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 to schedule an appointment.