Village of Crestwood Hosts Blood Drive

CRESTWOOD, IL -- The Village of Crestwood will host a blood drive on Saturday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The blood drive will be facilitated by Vitalant (formerly Lifesource) at the Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center, 5331 W. 135th St., Crestwood.

Donors can register online (you’ll need to complete a login) or over the phone, 877-258-4825 (use Group Code 835A). Walk-ins are also welcome. Basic requirements for donating blood include the following:

• Must be at least 16 or 17 years old (minors are required to bring in signed permission from a parent or guardian;
• Weigh least 110 pounds.
• Be in good general health.
• Colds/Flu: You are not eligible if you are not feeling well and healthy the day of donation. You may donate after you recover and are symptom free.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes (type I or II), you are eligible to donate; however, diabetics who ever used bovine insulin manufactured in the United Kingdom are not eligible.
• Pregnant: If you are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last 6 weeks, you are not eligible to donate.
• Most medications are acceptable. If you have questions about your medication or health condition, call us at 877-258-4825, option 1.
• For your safety and to ensure a positive donation experience, make sure you eat within two hours ahead of your donation. Drink plenty of water that day and 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Feel free to help yourself to something to eat and drink in our refreshment area.
• Bring your ID—something with your name and one of the following: date of birth, donor ID number or your photo.
• You must wait eight weeks between whole blood donations. Learn more about specific intervals for other types of donation.
• You should not be under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs at the time of donation.
• Read more about donor eligibility.

Before you donate:

• Eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours ahead of your donation. The day before, eat a salty snack. When you donate blood, you lose about a gram of salt. Replacing it ahead of time helps keep your blood pressure normal.
• Hydrate by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages one hour before you donate. Water is a great choice.
• Avoid or limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, iced tea and energy drinks on the day of donation.

Nearly 5 million Americans need a blood transfusion every year. A pint of blood saves three lives. Donations are needed for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Blood helps trauma and burn patients, premature infants, heart surgery patients, organ transplant recipients and those fighting cancer, among others. In emergencies, it’s the blood already on hospital shelves that saves lives.