Hazel Crest hospital addresses the national blood shortage

Advocate South Suburban Hospital helped reduce the national blood shortage and saved the lives of 105 people in need of blood and blood products by hosting the hospital’s first American Red Cross Blood Drive in years.

Blood drive organizers expected 25 donors. However, a total of 37 team members and community residents showed up and donated 31 whole blood units and 4 power red units. Based on this success, the hospital is scheduled to host a second blood drive on April 8.

“Blood drive sponsorship makes a huge difference in helping patients in our community. The blood needed for lifesaving medical treatments simply would not be available if not for volunteer donors,” said Lenora Bridges, Coordinator of Community Health, "I’m thrilled our team members and community neighbors supported this event at a level that exceeded our goal.”

John Cramer, a Maintenance Mechanic in Advocate South Suburban's Facilities department, helped the blood drive surpass initial expectations. Cramer didn’t pre-register to donate, but as soon as he learned he could donate as a walk-in, he volunteered without hesitation.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Cramer said. “You never know when someone in your family will be in need. So, if you’re healthy you should do it.”

Rukiyat Lawal, Coordinator of Community Health at Advocate Trinity Hospital, in Chicago,, couldn’t agree more.

“It only takes you 8 minutes and 12 seconds to save lives” Lawal said, adding that she started donating blood years ago during her brother, Murtula’s, struggles with pain crises caused by sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that makes it difficult for red blood cells to carry oxygen and causes sickle-shaped blood cells, which tend to stick together, block small blood vessels, and cause painful and damaging complications. African Americans are most likely to have sickle cell disease, which is sometimes treated with blood transfusions.

While Murtula has lived crisis free since receiving a successful 2012 stem cell transplant, Lawal continues to donate blood in hopes of helping others like her brother. She also encourages other African Americans to consider donating blood.

“Think about these patients and their loved ones,” Lawal said, explaining that she and her family found it difficult to watch Murtula in so much pain so often. "I donate because I believe in the stem cell transplants and blood transfusions needed for sickle cell patients,” Lawal said.

Advocate South Suburban Hospital's next American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for April 8. Sign up and schedule your donation or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.