Mason Responds to Blood Shortage, Encourages Healthy Residents to Make Donations

GURNEE, Ill. – In the face of a statewide shortage, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is urging community members to consider donating blood. The increased need for donations comes following widespread cancellations of community blood drives across the state amid coronavirus concerns.

“Social distancing is one of the most effective methods we can use to flatten the curve, but it can also have some unintended consequences. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a sharp decrease in blood donations due to blood drives being canceled. While it’s reassuring to see so many Illinoisans heeding advice to stay home, it’s important to continue supporting critically essential health services like blood banks,” Mason said. “Giving blood only takes about 15 minutes and can save up to three lives. For residents who are healthy and able, I ask you to please consider making an appointment to give blood today.”

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers reports blood donations in Illinois have dropped 60% in recent weeks. According to the American Red Cross, about 36,000 units of blood are used in medical procedures throughout the U.S. each day. For more information, please contact Mason’s constituent service office at 847-485-9986 or Info@RepJoyceMason.com.

“Unlike hand sanitizer and paper products, which can be stockpiled, whole blood has a very short 42-day shelf life (only 5 days for platelets) and constantly needs to be replenished,” said Margaret Vaughn, Government Affairs Director of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers. “The FDA reports that the coronavirus does not pose any known risk to a blood donor during the donation process or by attending a mobile blood drive, which are not ‘mass gatherings’ but sterile environments, where healthy people can donate.”