ROCHELLE – As the blood supply in Illinois begins to run low, state officials and the Rock River Valley Blood Center are calling on people to donate blood and reminding them that blood centers are both clean and safe.

According to a press release from the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers, blood centers across the country have lost a projected 130,000 units of blood as a result of nearly 4,000 cancelled drives, due to closed campuses, high schools and businesses. To help keep the supply of blood available, state officials and the RRVBC have launched the #GiveBloodChallange.

“Blood donations are still essential and social distancing does not mean social disengagement, “said Lisa Entrikin, CEO of the Rock River Valley Blood Center. “There are still things that we still need to do to help fellow Americans and donating blood is one thing state officials are asking people to do.”

The challenge was created around the same time that the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it is similar to the ALS ice bucket challenge. A person gives blood, posts a picture of it and tags 10 friends challenging them to give blood as well.

Since the challenge was started, both state and local leaders, mayors and Illinois representatives have participated and posted photos to spread awareness and show people donating blood is still safe to do. While some people may be hesitant to go out and donate, blood centers would like everybody to know they are taking all precautions to keep the environment safe and sanitized.

“We are taking every measure to safeguard our donors,” said Entrikin. “All our staff take their temperatures every day before coming to work, signs on the doors asking donors to make sure the feel well before coming in and all donor beds and waiting areas are 6 feet apart.”

Other steps being taken include having people wait in their car for a text message when it is there turn or scheduling appointments in the future if it becomes very busy to maintain social distancing. All equipment and surfaces are wiped down between donors and hand sanitizer will be available as well.

Despite the coronavirus and shelter-in-place order, many people still require a constant blood supply for cancer treatments, childbirth, emergency surgeries and much more. While many people think they cannot donate, nearly everybody who is in general good health and is 17 years or older or 16 years old and parent consent is qualified to donate.

“About 85 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, but less than 5 percent actually donate, and that is our biggest problem” said Entrikin.

Upcoming blood drives in the area are scheduled for March 31. from 12 to 6 p.m., at the Rochelle Fire Department Social Hall, located at 311 6^th St. and the Oregon Church of God on March 31 as well. Blood centers know that blood will be needed throughout the length of the COVID-19 regulations.

Even if an individual has donated, they are urged to continue to do so, because blood will still be needed in two or three weeks. While blood supply and demand have both been affected by COVID-19, blood centers have never seen a response from the community quite like this.

“I have been in this industry for a long time, through 9/11 and many disasters we have had throughout our country and I have seen people donate for this that did not come out for the other events,” said Entrikin. “The public has really stepped up, people that haven’t given in years are calling to see if they are still able and lots of new donors.”

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is also looking for any businesses that are still operational and would like to host a blood drive. Businesses can sign up through its website at www.RRVBC.org under the contact us button. Donors can also sing up online and see where blood drives are, schedule appointments and much more.