Calling on the community to help those in need, State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is encouraging residents to sign up to donate blood at a community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, March 29 at the former Aurora Public Library, 1 E. Benton Street in Aurora.
“Hospitals and medical centers have continued to face difficult decisions about who can receive blood while blood supplies remain scarce throughout the country,” said Kifowit.
“Because of how the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down many normal collection procedures over the past year, there is still a very high demand for blood.”
Kifowit will be joined by State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, State representative Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego and the DuKane A.B.A.T.E chapter for the community blood drive.
The blood drive will take place indoors, and all attendees are asked to practice social distancing while participating. Masks and photo IDs will be required to participate. Donors must be in good health and feeling well, in addition to being at least 17 years of age and 110 pounds. It is recommended to eat something within four hours prior to donating blood.
Appointments are preferred for the event, but walk-ins will be welcome. Donors who are taking medications may be unable to donate blood due to their underlying medical condition. Health precautions will continue to be a priority at this drive. The COVID-19 Anti-body test (CAT) will be performed on all blood donations as part standard testing.
“Donating blood saves lives,” said Kifowit. “We must come together to support those in our community who are in need of blood. Your donation can end up saving multiple lives, from loved ones, neighbors, and vulnerable residents in our region.”
To schedule an appointment, you could call Kifowit’s full-time constituent office at 630-585-1308 or send to lori@ILdistrict84.com.
—Representative Stephanie Kifowit, MPA, USMC Veteran 1990-1994, IL House District 84