Community Calendar

Blood donation is safe and needed

 HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital hosting Blood Drive on March 22

Blood drives and donor centers are safe environments where staff and donors are screened to be sure they are healthy and well and have not been exposed to the virus. Donors with all blood types are greatly needed as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in hundreds of blood drive cancellations but the need for blood is still constant.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Community Blood Services of Illinois (CBSI) are hosting a blood drive on Monday, March 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in St. Anthony’s Auditorium, located at 503 North Maple Street in Effingham. Donors should enter the hospital through the Pre-Surgical entrance door on the north side of the hospital.

All donors MUST make an appointment, no walk-ins. To schedule a donation time, visit www.bloodcenter.org or call 217-367-2202. All donors will be required to wear a mask and present a photo ID. The last date for donors to have given previously to be eligible for this drive is Jan. 25.

All donors will receive their choice between a voucher for a pair of socks or $5 gift card.

For those who have recovered from COVID-19, the CBSI is collecting convalescent plasma donations. More information on how to register can be found at www.bloodcenter.org.

CBSI is taking extra precautions to keep donors safe and healthy. Anyone not feeling well, has recently been tested for COVID-19, or has been in contact with someone being tested for COVID-19, is asked not to donate at this time but reschedule an appointment at a later date.

A blood donor can give every eight weeks, or up to six times a year. All person’s age 17 and up (or 16 with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation. A full list of donor eligibility guidelines may be found at https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/donor/requirements-faq/.