Need For Blood Donations 'Critical' During Winter In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — According to Vitalant, one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, areas like Lake County residents play an important role in saving lives by donating blood. This is especially important during the winter months when donations are typically down.

"The cold weather often leads to fewer people donating, as many are less likely to leave the warmth of their homes," Ann Sterling, regional communications manager at Vitalant, tells Patch. "Additionally, snow and ice can cause blood drives to be canceled or postponed, further reducing the number of opportunities for people to donate."

Vitalent will be holding the following two upcoming blood drives in Lake County:

• 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Vapor Bus, 1010 Johnson Drive, Buffalo Grove
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 26, Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 1558 Wilmot Road, Deerfield

Vitalant currently has donations centers in Gurnee and Lake Bluff. According to Sterling, the Arizona-based company provides hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research.

"Local donors play a significant part in maintaining a steady and diverse blood supply, and the residents of Lake County have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to this cause," Sterling said.

Howard Berger, a longtime blood donor from Wheeling, has not only helped countless patients, but has also had his own life saved twice, according to Vitalant. During a 2019 pre-donation check, Vitalant staff noticed that Berger's pulse was elevated.

This finding led him to mention it to his doctor during a follow-up appointment, where further tests revealed major blockages in three of his arteries. Despite feeling perfectly fine with no symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, Berger was diagnosed with serious heart issues and underwent heart bypass surgery.

Following recovery, Vitalant said Berger was eager to return to donating blood, but during his next pre-donation check, it was discovered that his iron levels were too low. This prompted more medical tests, and Howard was soon diagnosed with colon cancer. The cancer was caught early and successfully treated through surgery. Since then, Howard has been able to continue donating blood and helping others.

At every donation visit, the pre-donation health check provides a mini-physical that includes a pulse check, temperature, blood pressure measurement, and hemoglobin (iron) levels to ensure the donor is healthy enough to give blood. Donors also receive their blood type and cholesterol results, which are available in their confidential donor account.

Another factor that slows down blood donations during the winter, according to Vitalant, is winter holidays and travel.

"Meanwhile, hospitals continue to experience high demand for blood, especially for surgeries, trauma care, and patients with chronic conditions," Sterling said. "By donating blood, individuals can help ensure a steady and reliable supply for those in need, saving lives during a time when donations tend to decline."

To learn more about Vitalant, and check out their schedule of upcoming blood donation drives, visit here.