New location for Lincoln community blood drives

[JUNE 26, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Due to an overwhelming response by blood donors to the local drives in Lincoln, Central Illinois Community Blood Center has changed the location to better accommodate the drives. "It's a wonderful thing to have to relocate a drive because we've outgrown the space to hold all the willing donors," said Tara Tyler, donor recruiter for CICBC.

Lincoln community blood drives have been moved from the Logan County Paramedic Association building on Postville Drive to the Masonic center at 2022 N. Kickapoo St. The first blood drive at the Masonic Center is scheduled for July 3 from noon until 6 p.m. The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring this lifesaving event. Reservations will be accepted for donor convenience, but of course walk-ins are always welcome. Please call Tara toll-free at 1 (866) GIVE-BLD [1 [phone]], ext. 56, to make an appointment.

Many thanks go out to the Logan County Paramedic Association for hosting 41 community blood drives since January of 2003, which resulted in 1,482 units of lifesaving blood for area patients. Because of this generosity, lives were saved. Also, special thanks to the Lincoln Masons for agreeing to be the new host to the Lincoln community blood drives. "We look forward to many successful blood drives here," said Tyler.

Blood donations typically decrease during the summer vacation season, especially around the holidays. Many people are out of town and unable to give blood. Yet the number of trauma cases requiring emergency blood transfusions often rises over the holiday weekends. Please help your friends, family and neighbors, and donate blood. You never know when it could be someone you love who needs this lifesaving gift that can be given only from one person to another.

These are community events, and all citizens are invited to help support their local hospital's blood supply.

If you are healthy, are 17 years of age (or 16 with a signed parental consent form) and in general good health, please do your part and give what's in your heart. Donate blood.

[Central Illinois Community Blood Center news release]