Blood Drive News

Whether you’re a newcomer or a life-long resident of Westchester, you may never have heard of the Westchester Blood Program. Please take a minute to acquaint yourself with this important civic organization.  

Why do we say “important?” Because our aim, our ONLY aim, is to save lives.  What other group can make that statement?

Since its birth in June 1974, the Program has collected more than 22,000 units of blood from generous, civic-minded people who take part in our quarterly drives. It attracts donors from throughout the western suburbs.  More than one-quarter of all of our donors live outside Westchester.

The Program has become one of the most productive community-affiliated groups of its kind in the state and is affiliated with LifeSource, among the nation’s largest suppliers of blood products to hospitals. In October 2009, it was honored by LifeSource as the No. 1 community blood program in the Chicago area. 

The blood donated at our drives Is sent to area hospitals and trauma centers to save or prolong the lives of severely ill patients or accident victims.  On average, one unit can save up to three patients.

We’re proud of the fact that 140-200 donors take part in our drives. In addition, dozens of volunteers give their time to help conduct drives. The program is operated totally with unpaid volunteers.

Donating blood costs nothing, just a few minutes. And, when you’re finished, you’ll walk out with the warm feeling that comes from giving a gift that will last a lifetime. The donation of blood is safe and swift, normally taking no more than 45 minutes.

If you are generally healthy, over age 17 (or 16 with parental permission),  at least 110 pounds and are not taking blood thinners or antibiotics, you are eligible to donate a unit (pint) of blood.

 It is frustrating that fewer than 4 per cent of eligible Chicago area residents donate  regularly.
 
Keep this in mind:  Until scientists can develop a synthetic substitute for blood, only human beings can provide hospitals with that life-giving fluid.  

Upcoming drive dates and sites:
Saturday, April 9, 2011 Divine Providence School, 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m
Wednesday, May 11, 2011    Paul's Pizza & Hot Dogs, 2 p.m. -7 p.m. 
Saturday, July 16, 2011          Divine Providence School, 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday, October 15, 2011   Community Center, 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Wednesday, November 16, 2011  Westchester Community, 2 p.m. -7 p.m. 

Westchester Blood Program Board of Directors:

CARL PANEK, Chairman and Publicity: NADINE TRUMBULL, Assistant Chair

JOAN STEINHAUER, Secretary; BILL MIZE, Treasurer  

MARY ANN HANNON, Drive Chair, D.P; JOYCE LOECHEL, Drive Chair, Comm Ctr.

KEVIN LAH, Donor Data Base; RUTH DUGO, Board Member

BOB SMITH, Board Member; DENNIS PANOZZO, LifeSource Liaison