The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) is excited to announce the organization has hit a major milestone in its new campaign to honor the organization’s 70th anniversary.
In an effort to recruit donors to fill the local blood supply, RRVBC has a goal of adding 7,000 new donors in 2023 and has successfully recruited 1,078 new donors, hitting 15% of its total goal.
“We are absolutely thrilled that hundreds of community members have made the decision to donate blood for the first time and those who have committed to donate blood throughout the year to help individuals in our region,” said Lisa Entrikin, Chief Executive Officer at the Rock River Valley Blood Center. “We urge everyone in the community to commit to donating this year. Each time you give you can save up to three lives in our community.”
One out of every seven patients entering a hospital needs blood, but fewer than 5 percent of Americans are donors. Locally, that number is even less with just 3 percent of the eligible population giving. These numbers need to increase to ensure the region has blood available when patients need it. RRVBC needs 800 donors per week to supply blood to 13 hospitals in the region.
Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood if they never have before and return donors are encouraged to ask friends or family members who have never donated before to give blood.
Individuals feeling healthy and well are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment at rrvbc.org, on the myRRVBC app, or by calling 815-965-8751. Walk-ins are also welcome at one of the four RRVBC donor centers in Rockford, Belvidere, or Freeport, or at a mobile blood drive.
Organizations also are encouraged to call about hosting blood drives to help support the community’s need.