Red Cross blood drives set for Bureau, La Salle counties

Blood drives are planned across Bureau and La Salle counties in the coming weeks.

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year — one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients.

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all those who give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the new film “The Matrix Resurrections.” Plus, those who give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.

Those who make a blood or platelet donation part of their Thanksgiving plans Nov. 24-28 will receive a pair of Red Cross holiday socks, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 22-Dec. 16 include:

Bureau County

Ohio

1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, Ohio High School, 103 Memorial St.

Princeton

1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, American Legion, 1549 W. Peru St.

Sheffield

1:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, St. Patrick Church Hall, 231 W. Atkinson

La Salle County

Mendota

10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, Moose Lodge, 211 E 12th St.

Ottawa

1:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, First Baptist Church, 1401 State St.

Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, Carpenter’s Local 174, 1001 Boyce Memorial Dr.

Peru

Noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 Fourth St.

Noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 Fourth St.

Serena

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, Serena Township Road District, Serena Township Road District, 2292 U.S. 52

Sheridan

1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Sheridan Fire Department, 405 N. Bushnell St.

Streator

Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, Woodland High School, 5800 E. 3000 N. Rd.

1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, Streator Park Place Conference Center, 406 Hickory St.

8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Streator Park Place Conference Center, 406 Hickory St.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.