Bristow to Host Community Blood Drive

ALTON, Ill. – To help the community recover from shortages caused by COVID-19, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is cohosting a Community Blood Drive with the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. The blood drive will be held on Wednesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 1308 located at 4445 N. Alby St. in Alton.

“Due to limits on social gatherings and public events for most of the spring, our hospitals are facing serious blood shortages for those in need,” said Bristow. “As we begin to resume nonessential surgeries and other medical procedures, it is crucial that we increase the available blood supply to ensure that patients receive the necessary medical care.”

Blood donations will be done in the parking lot of the VFW in a mobile blood donation bus. To maintain social distance and safety, donors are encouraged to sign up for a time slot to donate visit www.bloodcenter.org with sponsor code 11120 to schedule online or by calling Bristow’s constituent office at 618-465-5900. Walk-ins are allowed but can expect to schedule a time to return to donate blood if the mobile unit is at capacity. Donors must wear masks to ensure the safety of the staff and volunteers working the blood drive.

“The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and the members of the VFW are implementing serious safety and health precautions to ensure the safety of volunteers and blood donors,” said Bristow. “If you are healthy and able, please consider donating blood as our hospitals and health centers recover from shortages caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.”