AURORA, Ill. – In recognition of Blood Donation Month, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is urging residents to donate to help fill a shortage in the area’s blood supply.
“Many patients in our area require blood transfusions and due to both the weather and illness, donations have been greatly affected,” Kifowit said. “People right here in the local community will benefit from your donation.”
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Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month. The need for donations is especially great this winter due to the severe weather that has spread across much of the nation. This has forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drive events, including many in Illinois.
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In general, healthy individuals 17 years of age or older weighing at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Donations of red blood cells only have a shelf life of 42 days, so supplies must be replenished frequently. Kifowit is stressing the need for donors to visit a blood drive near them and help replenish the area’s blood supply.
“The cold winter weather has put a strain on organizations like the Heartland Blood Centers to meet the overwhelming demand for blood,” Kifowit said. “I encourage all residents who qualify to step up and donate both this month and all year long. This simple act can go a long way in helping a person get the care they need.”
For more information on donating blood, please visit www.heartlandbc.org/drives_date.html or call 1-800-7TO-GIVE. For more information regarding issues related to the state of Illinois, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.
