A combination of heavier than usual patient need and an extended period of lower than usual collections has left inventories of the O-Negative and B-Negative blood types at less than a three-day supply. To ensure the Blood Center’s ongoing ability to meet patient need, the Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) asks individuals with O-Negative and B-Negative to give blood at the CICBC Donor Center or an area mobile blood drive. To schedule a time to give blood, contact the Blood Center at (217) 753-1530 (toll-free (866) GIVE BLD [866-448-3253]or online at www.cicbc.org.

“The summer months are typically the most difficult time of year for blood supply,” said Amanda Hess, Director of Donor Relations. “On the whole, the blood supply has remained stable through this difficult period,” added Hess. “But due to increased patient use of B-Negative and O-Negative, our inventories of those blood types have struggled to keep pace.”

All donors, regardless of blood type, will be entered in the Blood Center’s weekly drawing for a $50 gas card. CICBC will hold a weekly drawing for one $50 gas gift card from all donors who give blood each week through the week of Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5). All persons who present to give blood at the CICBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive will be eligible to win the drawing.