This year, the Illinois House Republicans have been rallying communities around the cause of blood donation. Several State Representatives have hosted successful blood drives, giving the residents of their districts the opportunity to make a real difference.
Each donation matters. Blood donated during drives could be the critical supply that a patient needs in an emergency room, a cancer treatment facility, or a surgical suite.
The need for blood in Illinois and across the U.S. is constant. The American Red Cross reports that someone in the country needs blood every two seconds. Despite this overwhelming need, only about 3% of age-eligible people in the U.S. donate blood each year. Such a small percentage means blood supplies often run low, putting lives at risk.
The challenges of meeting blood demand have been intensified in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic not only halted blood drives in schools and colleges but also saw a significant drop in donations. According to America’s Blood Centers, donations from those aged 16-24 dropped over 30% between 2019 and 2021, while older adults stepped up to fill the gap.
In Illinois, these challenges are especially pressing. That’s why the Illinois House Republicans have stepped up and made a strong push this year for blood donations in their respective districts. The turnout for these events has been encouraging, and these representatives are committed to continuing their efforts for this cause in 2025.
Check out the following link to find a blood donation center in your area: Find a Blood Center – America’s Blood Centers. Give blood. Save a life.