There's a blood shortage—donate! Blood donations will be in the mobile Versiti bus parked in the Library's parking lot.
To schedule a time to donate, visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5603748 or Call 1-800-786-4483 Appointments encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
Donation Process
- Who is eligible to give blood?
- Individuals aged 17 and older who are in good health and not experiencing symptoms of cold or flu may donate blood. Donors who are 16 years old may donate but must have parent/guardian permission. There is no maximum age for donation. *Donors must weigh at least 110 lbs to donate.
- Illinois permits 16-year-olds to donate blood with consent from a parent/guardian. These donors must be in good health and meet the minimum criteria to donate.
- Please refer to the height and weight chart to verify donor eligibility. By becoming a blood donor, your son or daughter shows great civic responsibility, maturity and community pride.
- Most medications will not defer you from donating blood. Before you make an appointment, however, check our medication deferral list.
- If you are currently taking antibiotics for an infection, you will be eligible to donate two days after your course of treatment is complete.
- There are specific requirements for gay and bisexual men, but people of all genders and sexual orientations may be able to donate if FDA eligibility criteria are met.
- Do I need to bring any forms of ID to my appointment?
Yes. The following forms of identification with a photo and birth date are acceptable:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued ID
- Student ID card
- Passport, visa or green card
- How long does it take to give blood?
The process for donating whole blood takes about an hour from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave. This includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.
Collecting one unit of whole blood only takes about 10 minutes; however, you can expect to spend more time donating products like red cells, platelets and plasma (also known as apheresis procedures).
*This is a community connection and is not run or monitored by library staff.
