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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.

Blood drives at Northwestern Medicine help save lives and make a real difference in our communities. Patients need blood year-round, and your donation helps reduce the risk of blood shortages. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. While 38% of the population is eligible to donate blood, only 3% of those donate. 

Northwestern Medicine is committed to making a difference in our community. We work with Versiti Blood Centers and the American Red Cross to host blood drives at various Northwestern Medicine locations.

Why You Should Consider Donating Blood

Illinois currently has less than three days' 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
  • Need 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.

You can donate whole blood six times yearly — every 56 days. Read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eligibility guidelines and updated recommendations for blood donors. Please remember to bring a photo ID to your appointment.

Donate blood through Versiti Blood Center of Illinois at Northwestern Medicine locations.

Donate blood through the American Red Cross at Northwestern Medicine locations.

Please check back here for future blood drives.

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