National Blood Shortage Means Rock River Valley Blood Center Needs Donors

The season of giving is here. An easy way to give back to the community is by donating blood. Now more than ever it's important that if you're healthy and able, you donate.

The U.S. is experiencing a national blood supply shortage. And that means we're experiencing a shortage locally as well. If you didn't know, blood has a short shelf life and the supply must constantly be replenished. So that's why it's important that people are always donating.

Local donors are needed right now and will continue to be needed throughout the remainder of 2020. This ensures access to blood products for patients.

WIFR details -

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is asking anyone feeling healthy and well to schedule a donation appointment as soon as possible, walk in to one of the four donor centers in Rockford, Belvidere, or Freeport to donate, or visit a mobile blood drive this week. All blood types are needed at this time.

The center needs 700 donors a week to fulfill the local need. Appointments are preferred and encouraged, but walk-ins are welcomed as long as donor centers and blood drives can comply with social distancing requirements. Schedule a donation at rrvbc.org, on the myRRVBC app or by calling 815-965-8751.

H/T WIFR