LAKE BARRINGTON, IL—A community blood drive to be hosted by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) this weekend represents more than simply an opportunity to help restock depleted blood supplies used at area hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency treatment facilities: it’s a way to give someone in need another chance at life.

The blood drive, organized in partnership with Vitalant, will take place Saturday, March 6^th, 9 AM – 3 PM, at BCFPD Headquarters (22222 North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington). 

Donors may schedule an appointment by calling 877-258-4825 or visiting www.vitalant.org (use group code 76A). 

Face coverings are required for all participants.  Blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

Pandemic’s Impact Makes Donations More Critical Than Ever

“We are proud to partner with Vitalant and offer community members the chance to give the ‘gift of life,’” BCFPD Fire Chief Jim Kreher explained.  “Ensuring adequate supplies of life-saving blood and blood products is always a challenge but it has been especially difficult over the past year, as so many blood drives have been cancelled due to the pandemic.  Now, more than, ever, individual donations can have a tremendous impact,” he added.

Pre-Donation Preparations

Community members planning to give blood on March 6^th should prepare accordingly:

1. Eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours of your donation time.  Eat a salty snack the day before your appointment to help maintain healthy blood pressure (your body loses salt during blood donation).
2. Stay hydrated by drinking 8 – 16 ounces of water one hour before you donate.
3. Avoid or limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea, or energy drinks on the day of your donation. 

Did You Know? *

• Someone requires blood in the U.S. every two seconds.
• Every day, U.S. healthcare facilities need approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells, 10,000 units of plasma, and 7,000 units of platelets.
• Daily personal emergencies and ongoing medical needs require a constant and readily available blood supply.  It’s the blood already on hospital shelves that saves lives.

*Sources: American Red Cross & Vitalant

Contact BCFPD

For More information, contact the BCFPD at 224-848-4800, visit www.bcfpd.org, or follow the Department on Facebook.