CHICAGO (WLS) — The 8th annual ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive is coming up on January 12 and 13 (* see below for locations and times.) ABC 7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott and Host/Reporter Hosea Sanders will be part of the station’s live coverage once again this year.
SEE ALSO | Blood donations needed, supply low ahead of ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive
“It is gratifying to team up with the American Red Cross and be part of something that directly saves lives in our community. Viewer support for this drive has grown every year and the fact that we broke records, in the midst of the pandemic, is a remarkable accomplishment. This year promises to be another success story,” said John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.
Make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with ABC 7 on the Great Chicago Blood drive – an extraordinary, lifesaving event,” said Celena Roldan, CEO of the Illinois Red Cross. “People generously come from all over our city and suburbs to give of themselves. We look forward to seeing many people join ABC 7 and the Red Cross on January 12th and 13th.”
This is the 8th year ABC 7 Chicago and the American Red Cross will have joined forces for the Great Chicago Blood Drive, setting the bar in 2021 as the largest, most successful single day blood drive in the entire country. The pandemic didn’t stop the determination of ABC 7 viewers who came out in large numbers to donate. The response to ABC 7’s live coverage of the drive was so great that that the blood drive will be expanded for the first time to two days in the Chicago area.
Blood donations, especially in the winter months, are critical. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, yet the American Red Cross estimates that only 3 percent of the population actually donates. All blood types are needed and a single blood donation can save more than one life!
Create new beginnings and energy for those in need. Donate blood with the American Red Cross at The ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive.
Wednesday, Jan. 12 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
The Center for Visual and Performing Arts
1040 Ridge Rd.
Munster, IN 46321
Thursday, Jan. 13 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago
1800 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Foglia YMCA
1025 N. Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Georgios Banquets
8800 W. 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60462
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Make yours now at RedCrossBlood.org. Sponsor Code: ABC7Chicago. All presenting donors will receive a free ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive t-shirt (while supplies last).
People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors. Make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Follow ABC 7 Chicago on Facebook and on Twitter and share your blood drive photos with us using #ABC7BloodDrive.
A MESSAGE FROM THE RED CROSS:
Despite the variant and the challenges it presents, the Red Cross and other blood collection organizations have to continue to collect blood. Blood collection drives and blood donation are not viewed as events, but are considered an “essential service” and “critical infrastructure” function as determined by the United States Department of Homeland Security and many other federal, state and local authorities. Like a hospital, grocery store, or pharmacy, a blood drive is essential to ensuring the health of the community, and the Red Cross will continue to hold blood drives during this challenging time to help meet patient needs. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued statements encouraging blood donation for those who are well. It’s important to note that blood drives have the highest standards of safety and infection control.
That is why we have implemented (similar to last year) safety procedures and social distancing where Red Cross employees have always followed thorough safety protocols, including:
Wearing masks and gloves and changing gloves often.
Routinely disinfecting donor-touched areas.
Using sterile collection sets for every donation.
Hand sanitizer available before entering the drive, as well as throughout the donation process.
All surfaces and equipment receive enhanced disinfection.
Donation appointment emphasis to help manage the flow of donors at drives.
The nation is in the midst of a dangerously low blood shortage, in fact the American Red Cross will be announcing nationally on 1/11 that this is really a blood donation crisis upon us, so despite the pandemic and the variant, we have to collect blood from those who are feeling healthy and well the day of the drive. There is less than a one-day supply of blood on hand for hospitals and typically there should be a five-day supply.
Appointments are important so that we can plan for donors.
Those who have been diagnosed with COVID are asked to defer from donating blood for 14 days in alignment with FDA.
We are sending an email in advance of the drive next week, to all those who have signed up for appointments outlining the 14-day COVID deferral and asking them to cancel their appointment if they are not feeling well. Cancelling the appointment is important if someone is not feeling well, as it opens up the appointment for someone who is well.
Our blood donation location partners understand that blood is an essential service and that for the health of the community it is important to host blood donors to give.
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