April 19, 2024
Local News | The Times
Local News

Red Cross aims to boost blood supply before flu season strikes

Donors must be healthy, feel well to give blood

By Shaw Media

The American Red Cross will host nine upcoming blood drives in the area. Donors who give blood between Oct. 15 and Nov. 11 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card. (Michelle Frankfurter)

The American Red Cross is calling on donors to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply as the U.S. braces for flu season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need, according to a Red Cross news release.

For those who have the flu, the Red Cross announced it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy on the day of donation.

The Red Cross noted there is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

Individuals who give blood on or before Wednesday, Nov. 11, will receive a $5 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Those who donate in October also automatically are entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 Amazon gift cards. Information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Unite.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center will conduct temperature checks and require social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment before arriving at the drive.

Upcoming blood drives include:

• 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Lutheran Church, 407 East St., Earlville

• 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, First Baptist Church, 1401 State St., Ottawa

• Noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 Fourth St., Peru

• 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, First Baptist Church, 1401 State St., Ottawa

• 1:45 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, Knights of Columbus, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator

• 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Moose Lodge, 211 E. 12th St., Mendota

• 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, St Margaret's Hospital, 600 E. First St., Spring Valley

• Noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 Fourth St., Peru

• 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Sheridan Fire Department, 405 N. Bushnell St., Sheridan

• 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m Thursday, Nov. 19., Knights of Columbus, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator

• 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, First United Methodist Church, 316 S. Church St., Princeton