Extreme Cold Affects Blood Supply; Taylor Babec Drive Set for Feb. 5

Submitted by the Will County State's Attorney's Office:

Heartland Blood Centers reports that January’s extremely cold weather forced the cancellation of 21 blood drives across the region resulting in the loss of an estimated 2,000 units of blood over the past month. 

However, next week’s Taylor Babec Community Blood Drive at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office in downtown Joliet provides an opportunity to replenish the blood that Heartland supplies to our local hospitals, including Silver Cross Hospital and Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

The blood drive is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, 121 N. Chicago St., across from the Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet.

Appointments can be made by calling Jennifer Babec at (815) 325-4282, or by visiting Heartland Blood Centers online. Walk-in donors also will be welcome on the day of the blood drive. Donations take roughly 30 minutes.

In addition to the severe weather, Heartland has experienced an increase in illness-related cancellations by blood donors over the past month. As a result, Heartland is urging healthy donors to reschedule their appointments to give blood. Those who have never given blood also are urged to make their first donations. To meet the needs of the 49 hospitals served by Heartland Blood Centers, almost 600 units of blood are needed every day.

In addition to helping others, those who give blood at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office on Feb. 5:

• Will be placed in a raffle to win one of three free oil changes generously donated by Terry D’Arcy of D’Arcy Motors in Joliet.
• Can enjoy delicious free bagels provided by Tom Grotovsky, owner of Great American Bagel, 1101 Essington Road in Joliet.

“I urge everyone who works in downtown Joliet to schedule an appointment to donate blood onFeb. 5 so that supplies do not become dangerously low during the severe weather,” said Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow. “Donations may drop, but the need doesn’t. It is absolutely imperative that we assist those who are experiencing medical emergencies.” 

To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17-years-old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom-free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health.  If you are someone that has been considering donating blood, please call today.