Rockford’s Rise in Flu Cases Leads to Blood Shortages

As Rockford has seen a rise in flu cases, this has caused a decline in blood donations at the Rock River Valley Blood Center.

This local center is responsible for providing blood products and services to 10 regional hospitals. According to Rock River Valley Blood Center's CEO, Lisa Entrikin the center experienced a 40% increase in cancellation and a 20% decrease in walk-in traffic for the month of January.

Entrikin told WIRF.com:

We are urging not only repeat donors to give blood, but also community members who have not donated to visit one of our donor centers or mobile drives to donate blood,” said Entrikin. “It’s safe and simple, and one unit can save up to three lives.”

At least 700 donors per week are needed for the center to be able to make its demands needed from the hospitals it serves. The need is for any and all blood types.

You can make a donation by walking into one of the many RRVBC locations. An appointment can also be made by calling 815-965-8751 or online at www.rrvbc.org.

You can see if you're eligible for donating now by following this link.