Drives coming to Pontiac, Fairbury

The need for blood is great, especially in these times, and area residents have a chance to donate in Pontiac and Fairbury this Wednesday (Mar. 25).

Donors can visit the Pontiac Township Supervisor’s Office at 601 N. Ladd Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No walk-ins will be accepted at this time. To schedule an appointment, contact Dixie Vogel at 815-358-2444.

Another blood drive will be held at the Fairbury Fire Station from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and donors must also have an appointment with no walk-ins allowed. Even if you already made an appointment previously, you must verify that appointment with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.

With other blood drives at schools and colleges cancelled this spring, there is a huge need for blood donations. Even though there is no evidence the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through blood, the Red Cross is taking actions to ensure donor safety.

The CDC encourages those who are well to continue donating blood if they are able, even if they are utilizing social distances due to COVID-19. CDC recommends blood centers space donor chairs 6 feet apart, adhere to thorough cleaning practices and encourage donors to make donation appointments ahead of time.