Dixon adds 3 Red Cross blood donation events during shortage

Red Cross blood drive

The American Red Cross has scheduled additional blood donation opportunities in the Sauk Valley and wider region as it experiences a shortage in the emergency blood supply and in platelets.

Illinois’ blood supply is the lowest post-summer level in six years. A surge in COVID-19 cases from the delta variant has contributed to the year’s low donor turnout, the Red Cross says.

To meet hospital and patient needs, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week this month.

Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Three opportunities are scheduled for Dixon

• 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road.

• 12:30 to 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22, YMCA, 110 North Galena Road.

• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 25, Sauk Valley Community College Student Government, 173 Illinois Route 2.

Other regional opportunities

Polo: 7:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, oct. 26. Walk-ins or schedule by calling 946-3314.

Clinton, Iowa: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26, Community Reformed Church, 747 N 12th Street.

Milledgeville: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 28, Milledgeville Men’s Club, 204 Main Ave.

Savanna: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 5, West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive. Sponsored by FFA. Call 815-590-8156 to schedule an appointment.