Post by title1parent on Nov 29, 2009 5:25:19 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1909750,3_1_EL29_12BLOOD_S1-091129.article
Blood drives hit by holidays, layoffs and flu
November 29, 2009
By KATIE MORELL For Sun-Times Media
The economy even has had an effect on blood donations.
According to Heartland Blood Centers, donations are down because of flu season and downsizing at area companies.
Last year, the center collected 163,500 units of blood and this year its goal was a bit higher.
"Our goal for 2009 was 166,000 units," said Jill Bernard, director of mobile recruitment for the Aurora-based blood collection agency.
"We are projected to end around 160,000."
She attributes that number to the economy.
"The corporate blood drives have declined in donations due to layoffs," she said.
Bernard said blood is especially needed this time of year.
"We have to be careful with the holidays coming up," she said. "We collect blood seven days a week and any holiday means our centers are not open, so we have to make up that blood."
Heartland Blood Centers is one of the main providers of blood to local hospitals, according to Bernard.
For example, she said, "We are one of the only organizations that provide blood to Edward Hospital in Naperville. We rely on our donors to collect blood for local hospitals."
Heartland Blood Centers hosted a blood drive Nov. 14, collecting 127 donations.
"It was a great drive," Bernard said.
But they face other obstacles, too.
"With flu season, we had a higher number of donors calling to cancel their appointments or not being able to donate as a walk-in," she said.
Harsh winter weather can also prove challenging to blood collection.
"Some days it may not be safe to travel, so that affects collection," Bernard said. "Last year we had some lower collection days, but we were able to make it up."
For those nervous about donating, Bernard said not to be afraid.
"Try to overcome your fear of needles," she said. "It is not painful; it is virtually painless.
"How many chances do we get to help save some else's life? It costs you nothing, just a little bit of your time."
Blood drives hit by holidays, layoffs and flu
November 29, 2009
By KATIE MORELL For Sun-Times Media
The economy even has had an effect on blood donations.
According to Heartland Blood Centers, donations are down because of flu season and downsizing at area companies.
Last year, the center collected 163,500 units of blood and this year its goal was a bit higher.
"Our goal for 2009 was 166,000 units," said Jill Bernard, director of mobile recruitment for the Aurora-based blood collection agency.
"We are projected to end around 160,000."
She attributes that number to the economy.
"The corporate blood drives have declined in donations due to layoffs," she said.
Bernard said blood is especially needed this time of year.
"We have to be careful with the holidays coming up," she said. "We collect blood seven days a week and any holiday means our centers are not open, so we have to make up that blood."
Heartland Blood Centers is one of the main providers of blood to local hospitals, according to Bernard.
For example, she said, "We are one of the only organizations that provide blood to Edward Hospital in Naperville. We rely on our donors to collect blood for local hospitals."
Heartland Blood Centers hosted a blood drive Nov. 14, collecting 127 donations.
"It was a great drive," Bernard said.
But they face other obstacles, too.
"With flu season, we had a higher number of donors calling to cancel their appointments or not being able to donate as a walk-in," she said.
Harsh winter weather can also prove challenging to blood collection.
"Some days it may not be safe to travel, so that affects collection," Bernard said. "Last year we had some lower collection days, but we were able to make it up."
For those nervous about donating, Bernard said not to be afraid.
"Try to overcome your fear of needles," she said. "It is not painful; it is virtually painless.
"How many chances do we get to help save some else's life? It costs you nothing, just a little bit of your time."