In an alarming update issued Jan. 8, 2024, the American Red Cross has declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage, marking the most severe crisis of its kind in two decades. With a significant 40% decrease in blood donors, the organization is grappling with dwindling supplies that could potentially delay critical medical procedures across the United States. This dire situation is further exacerbated by recent disruptions, including a notable shortfall of nearly 7,000 blood units during the holiday season. The impact is particularly acute for type O blood, one of the most needed blood types in hospitals. As blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, the Red Cross is faced with the difficult task of rationing supplies, which poses a significant risk to emergency medical care and surgeries. Dr. Eric Gehrie, the executive physician director for the Red Cross, expressed deep concern over the situation. “One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank,” he said. He highlighted the additional challenges posed by the winter weather and seasonal illnesses, which may further strain the already critical blood supply. In response to this urgent need, the Red Cross is appealing to the public for immediate action. Donors, especially those with type O blood and platelet donors, are urged to come forward. To facilitate this, the Red Cross has made it easier for potential donors to find information and make appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, the Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 
Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross Red Cross Partners With The NFL for National Blood Donor Month Coinciding with this urgency, January is National Blood Donor Month. In a unique partnership, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are collaborating to encourage donations. Individuals who donate blood, platelets or plasma during this month will be automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. How to Help In this time of extreme need, the Red Cross urges everyone who can to contribute to this crucial cause, whether by donating blood, spreading awareness, volunteering or financial support. This crisis calls for a collective effort, and every donation can help save a life. Here’s what you can do now:
- Schedule blood or platelet donations through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, the Red Cross website or 1-800-RED CROSS.
- Use the list below to encourage others to donate blood at a nearby location.
- Encourage your company, place of worship or other organizations you are affiliated with to explore hosting a Red Cross blood drive. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
- Participate in the 10th Annual ABC 7
- Sign up to donate blood
- Register to volunteer
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities Jan. 8-31:
Cook County
Red Cross R Scott Falk Family Blood Donation Center/Rauner Center
2200 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:15 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:15 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM
Orland Park Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
15142 South LaGrange Rd. Orland Park, IL 60462
Sunday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Monday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Schaumburg Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
622 East Golf Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173
Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Berwyn
1/12/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., PAV YMCA, 2947 Oak Park Ave
Chicago
1/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Guild Row, 3130 North Rockwell St
1/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 814 W Nelson Ave
1/9/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Whirlyball, 1825 W. Webster Ave.
1/10/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lakeshore Sport & Fitness – Illinois Center, 211 N Stetson Ave
1/11/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 120 S. LaSalle, 120 South LaSalle
1/11/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., DePaul University Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center, 2235 N. Sheffield
1/12/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rush University Medical Center, 1520 West Harrison Street
1/15/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Alumunae Inc, 4525 S King Dr
1/17/2024: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive at THE MART, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
1/18/2024: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive at Imani Village, 901 E 95th St
1/21/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Matthias, 4910 N. Claremont
1/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 320 S Canal, 320 S Canal St
1/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 333 E Ontario, 333 E Ontario St
1/23/2024: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive
1/23/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., CBRE Lincoln Park, 939 West North Avenue, Suite 850
1/24/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 814 W Nelson Ave
1/24/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Chicago Cubs, 1101 W Waveland
1/24/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Avenue
1/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 300 North LaSalle, 300 North LaSalle
1/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Chicago Cubs, 1101 W Waveland
1/25/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Advocate Trinity Hospital, 2320 E 93rd St
1/26/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Uptown Branch, Chicago Public Library, 929 W Buena Ave
1/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr
1/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chicago The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 822 N Clark St
1/30/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Union Station, 225 South Canal St
1/31/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cook County Headquarters, 69 West Washington, Daley Center
Chicago Ridge
1/15/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall
Des Plaines
1/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 36, 1291 Oakwood Avenue
Evanston
1/12/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Norris University Center, 2311 N. Campus Drive
La Grange
1/24/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Legion Post 1941, 900 South La Grange Road
Lincolnwood
1/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lincolnwood Town Center, 3333 W Touhy Ave
Oak Lawn
1/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 95th St
Oak Park
1/29/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St,
Park Ridge
1/29/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Advocate Children’s Hospital, 1775 Dempster St
Schaumburg
1/17/2024: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 East Golf Road
1/22/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, 700 National Parkway
Tinley Park
1/9/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Apple Chevrolet, 8585 W. 159th
1/18/2024: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr
DuPage County
Aurora
1/15/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road
Bartlett
1/14/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Journey of Hope Bartlett Campus, 751 Army Trail Rd.
Downers Grove
1/23/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave
Oak Brook
1/11/2024: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., JVM Realty, 903 Commerce Dr
Wood Dale
1/10/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wood Dale Public Library, 520 N. Wood Dale Rd.
Woodridge
1/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Woodridge Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7201 Woodridge Dr.
Kane
Elgin
1/10/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road
Kane County
1/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Journey of Hope Elgin Campus, 37 Highland Ave
Lake
Barrington
1/11/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W Highway 22
Gurnee
1/31/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Advocate Condell Centre Club Gurnee, 1405 Hunt Club Road
Highland Park
1/11/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road
Lake Zurich
1/18/2024: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive at Foglia YMCA, Foglia YMCA, 1025 N Old McHenry Road
Libertyville
1/31/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Advocate Condell Centre Club Libertyville, 200 W. Golf Road
Round Lake
1/23/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Rd
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