Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie is leading one more drive to close the year on December 27th at the Savanna Fire Department, 101 Main Street. Each donation matters. Blood donated during drives like this could be the critical supply that a patient needs in an emergency room, a cancer treatment facility, or a surgical suite.
"Donating blood is a simple act with a profound impact,” Leader McCombie said. “Each donation has the potential to save multiple lives, and it's a powerful way to support our community. I encourage everyone who is able to join us on December 27th in Savanna to give the gift of life."
The need for blood in Illinois and across the U.S. is constant. The American Red Cross reports that someone in the country needs blood every two seconds. Despite this overwhelming need, only about 3% of age-eligible people in the U.S. donate blood each year. Such a small percentage means blood supplies often run low, putting lives at risk.
The challenges of meeting blood demand have been intensified in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic not only halted blood drives in schools and colleges but also saw a significant drop in donations. According to America's Blood Centers, donations from those aged 16-24 dropped over 30% between 2019 and 2021, while older adults stepped up to fill the gap.
In Illinois, these challenges are especially pressing. That’s why the Illinois House Republicans have stepped up and made a strong push this year for blood donations in their respective districts. The turnout for these events has been encouraging, and these representatives are committed to continuing their efforts for this cause in 2025.
Check out the following link to find a blood donation center in your area: Find a Blood Center - America's Blood Centers. Give blood. Save a life.