State Representative Tony McCombie and the City of Savanna are promoting the annual Savanna Community Blood Drive on Monday, December 28th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Savanna Fire Department Truck Bay, 101 Main Street, Savanna.
“This drive would never be as successful as it has been without the incredible support of the Savanna community,” said Rep. McCombie. “Year after year, the community steps up to the call for blood donations which go toward helping to save lives. We are grateful for those who respond to the constant need for blood donations and especially during this time of critical need due to the pandemic.”
For an appointment to donate, please call the Red Cross at 815-632-7384 or go to redcross.org. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors to the drive will also receive a free gift- an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved t-shirt (while supplies last).
The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
Blood donors of all types, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. As part of that effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.
How to Donate: Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Are you fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis? If so, the plasma in your blood may contain COVID-19 antibodies that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for currently ill COVID-19 patients, so your donation could help save the lives of patients battling this disease. Learn more at:
For more information on this or other state issues, call Rep. McCombie’s office at (815) 632-7384 or visit her website at repmccombie.com.