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community member donating blood

Donate Blood

Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood or platelets. Today, blood donation is more important than ever.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has faced the worst nationwide blood shortage of the past decade, and current blood supply cannot always meet the demand. According to the American Red Cross:

  • Only 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood.
  • Only about 3% of eligible people donate blood each year.
  • During the pandemic, donor turnout has decreased by more than 10%.
  • Though donations have decreased, the need for blood has increased during the pandemic.

Why You Should Consider Donating Blood

Illinois currently has less than one day's blood supply for all patients. By donating blood, you can help patients who:

  • Have a blood disorder
  • Are undergoing chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant
  • Require major surgery or an organ transplant
  • Lose blood during childbirth
  • Are newborn babies with low blood counts
  • Suffer trauma and need urgent treatment

Donating blood saves lives.

How to Donate

A Northwestern Medicine employee donating blood.

Northwestern Medicine is asking you to help today. One simple donation can save as many as three people. All blood types are needed right now, and more people than ever are eligible to donate.

Visit versiti.org/il or redcross.org to find a blood drive near you, including at many Northwestern Medicine hospitals.

Northwestern Medicine Blood Drive Locations

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Keystone Building

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics Warrenville

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center

Northwestern Medicine frequently hosts blood drives, check a location near you to donate.

Blood Donation Centers

Every donation can make a lifesaving difference. Learn how to become a blood donor at a location near you.

Donating Blood During the Pandemic
Donating Blood During the Pandemic