Stuart Calls Attention to Blood Shortage, Encourages Residents to Consider Donating

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – As communities across the state continue to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the American Red Cross is now facing a severe shortage of blood, platelets and plasma. To help combat this shortage, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is encouraging residents that are well to consider donating.

“While we each should be taking extra precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our own community, there are many residents that are victims of trauma, cancer and other chronic illnesses that still rely upon lifesaving blood donations,” said Stuart. “As the governor and president have set restrictions on the number of people that can gather in one place to address the pandemic, an unprecedented number of blood drives have been cancelled in recent weeks, causing a severe shortage of blood, plasma and platelets.”

Residents in the Metro East that are interested in donating blood, platelets or plasma can do so at the American Red Cross Fairview Heights Donation Center, located at 10886 Lincoln Trail. To set up an appointment to donate, call the Fairview Heights Donation Center at 1-800-RED
CROSS or schedule online at redcrossblood.org/give. The American Red Cross is taking extra precautions during this time to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including enhanced disinfecting of equipment, extra distance between donation beds and temperature checks before
potential donors enter the donation center.

“The Red Cross blood shortage could turn out to be very dangerous, as blood donations could literally mean life or death for a person that needs a transfusion,” continued Stuart. “This is just one way to give back to our neighbors and community, so I strongly encourage healthy residents
to consider donating blood during this incredibly difficult time.”