Last Week’s Brutal Weather Delivers Huge Blow To Rock River Valley Blood Center

The cold, the snow, and the ice all are factors in why Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) fell short on the amount of blood needed for area hospitals. This is why it is crucial to attempt to donate blood as soon as possible. I used the word "attempt" because no everyone is able to donate. But, RRVBC is in immediate need of all blood types.

Last week's inclement weather caused RRVBC to fall 225 units short of its goal. It's imperative for blood to be on the shelves and readily available for patients in need. Rock River Valley Blood center says it needs 700 donors a week across all its locations to fulfill needs locally at 10 regional hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. RRVBC is also in need of platelets as well.

Who Can Donate Blood? Anyone 17 years old and upwards (16 with parental consent) who is in general good health has a normal temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and "meets the hemoglobin guidelines", according to RRVBC.org. Also, if you've donated in the past you can do it again as long as there has been an 8-week gap since your last donation. Please remember to eat a good meal no more than 4 hours prior to donating.

You can save up to three lives by donating blood, so schedule a donation appointment as soon as possible. You can also walk into one of the four donor centers in Rockford, Belvidere, or Freeport to donate. You can also attempt to donate at Q98.5's annual Straight From the Heart blood drive this Saturday (Feb. 13) at Lou Bachrodt AutoMall from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Click Here to schedule an appointment or to find a blood drive near you.

RRVBC is also still testing donations for COVID-19 antibodies. In January, 21% of all donations tested positive for COVID antibodies using two different testing methodologies. Through last Friday, the February positivity rate is at 28%.

As a regular donor, I recommend scheduling an appointment even if you're planning on attending a mobile blood drive.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.