Illiopolis explosion affects central Illinois blood supply    

[APRIL 29, 2004]  Community members are asked to help maintain the central Illinois blood supply in the aftermath of a devastating explosion in Illiopolis. Central Illinois Community Blood Center asks those with type O positive and O negative blood to step forward to help maintain the heavy usage by the victims of this tragedy.

"All types are needed on a regular basis," said David Parsons, chief executive officer of Central Illinois Community Blood Center. "However, two of the most seriously injured are O types, and their usage is ongoing. Because the O types are the most commonly used, this puts the general supply of O at risk."

Central Illinois Community Blood Center will team up with Immanuel Lutheran Church at the Logan County Paramedic Association building on Monday, May 3, from noon until 6 p.m. to help save lives in central Illinois.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Tara Tyler toll-free at 1 [phone] [(866) GIVE BLD].

To donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, (16 with signed CICBC parental permission form) weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, have a picture ID or two other forms of ID, have eaten within the last four hours, and have not donated for at least 56 days.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for 16 central and southern Illinois hospitals, including those in Springfield, Jacksonville, Carlinville and Carrollton. Your blood donation through CICBC will help support the local blood supply for your friends, neighbors and family members.

Please donate blood. You can be a hometown hero!

[Central Illinois Community Blood Center
news release]