Blood Drive Planned At Naperville City Hall Amid Shortage

NAPERVILLE, IL — A mobile blood drive will be held at Naperville City Hall Feb. 25, amid a blood shortage the American Red Cross has called its worst in more than a decade.

Versiti Blood Centers will be onsite to accept blood donations between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Donors must register ahead of the event and can click the link to reserve a time slot to donate blood.

According to the American Red Cross, overall blood donations have dropped by 10 percent in the United States since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, illnesses, limited staff availability and weather cancellations have led a number of blood drives to be canceled, Red Cross reports.

Naperville City Council member Patty Gustin told Patch, "Donating blood helps in many ways. Recently I had a battery of tests to become an organ donor for my neighbor, I experienced firsthand how vital blood is to saving lives."

Gustin added, "The gift of giving blood helps people when they need it the most. It also supports our first responders and healthcare professionals. Today, our blood supply is lower than I remember. I have donated blood for years, and just hope my example of giving will bring in more donors."

What: City of Naperville Blood Drive

When: Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Naperville City Hall, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville