File photo
File photo
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is calling on residents to donate blood, saying there is a shortage because people resumed having elective surgeries after postponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic, while other people put off having surgeries because of the virus until now.
Wilhour said blood can be collected through community organizations even with set limits on the size of gatherings dictated by health officials. About 60 percent of blood donations usually come from drives hosted by area businesses, he said.
Officials of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers said the current shortage of donated blood occurred in part because the blood drives normally hosted by area businesses ceased as people began working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Red Cross tests blood for potential illnesses. Blood tested will also be tested for COVID-19 at no cos.
To find out where you can donate blood, visit the Red Cross online.
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