Community Blood Services of Illinois, part of the larger Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, is specifically looking for types O and B, which they are critically low on, but will accept all types. From their website:
“During the summer months, the blood center experiences a significant drop in donations. There are weeks we collect 1,000 fewer units than we normally do in the Spring and Fall, especially surrounding the summer holidays. That is why every day, every donor and every donation counts,” says Amanda Hess, Director, Donor Relations. “Every donation makes a tremendous difference for patients who may need a lifesaving blood transfusion. And by giving blood now, donors will help ensure the continued availability of blood components for hospitals in the communities we serve. Local blood inventories are already at critical levels particularly for type O and type B red cells. We are asking the community to come forward and help us build the blood supply in advance of Fourth of July.”
Donations of all blood types and products (red cells, platelets and plasma) are needed, but inventories of type O-negative, O-positive, B-negative and B-positive red cells along with all types of platelet products are needed most urgently now through the holiday. Type O red blood cells and AB plasma are “universal” blood components, so named because these components can be transfused to patients of all other blood types and are frequently used in emergency settings.
You can find out more about donating here.
