HILLSDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging constituents to join him in raising awareness of the benefits of giving blood in honor of National Blood Donor Month this January. In an effort to increase turnout at area drives, Smiddy is highlighting the importance of the lifesaving contributions of the nearly 11 million people who give blood each year.
“Each year millions of patients will require blood transfusions, and with the cold weather often comes an increase for the need of blood donors,” Smiddy said. “It is important that we do what we can to help those in need and to give back to our community.”
According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can save up to three lives, and every year there are five million patients in the United States that need blood transfusions. To donate blood, individuals must be at least 17 year’s old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. People looking to donate should eat a well-balanced meal within the four hours preceding a donation.
Individuals can donate blood every 56 days, and the total donation process takes about an hour. In most cases, the donation process includes registration, a short medical screening, the actual blood collection, and a rest period. Interested donors should bring an ID.
Smiddy encourages his constituents to donate at the nearest upcoming collections: Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, located at 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, IL on Monday January, 18th from 09:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, located at 112 W. Second St., in Rock Falls, IL on Wednesday, January 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-
