DeKalb Times

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) is collaborating with the Kishwaukee Family YMCA to host a blood drive from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m on Wednesday.

“Please consider giving blood and help our local hospitals save lives,” Keicher wrote on Facebook.

Shaw Local News reported the blood drive will be held in the multi-purpose room of the YMCA, 2500 Bethany Road, Sycamore. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred.

Donating blood is a lifesaving task. Donated blood could be used for surgery or in emergencies.

Unfortunately, there is a shortage of donated blood. ABC 7 Chicago reported hospitals such as Lurie Children’s Hospital are facing a shortage.

“It’s not something that is a luxury, it’s a need,” Lucas Wesoloski, a nurse from Lurie Children’s Hospital, said to ABC 7. “It’s something that our patients need to make it through their treatment.”

In January, the Red Cross announced that there was a blood shortage. Not just in Illinois, but across the country.

“Nationwide shortages are due to COVID. Blood donor centers, not just our programs, but civilian programs as well are experiencing blood shortages because donors are becoming very wary about wanting to go out into the public because they’re afraid they will catch COVID while donating,” U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Ramirez said in a release.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce wrote Keicher and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA in Sycamore held a blood drive in 2020.