The American Red Cross needs your help | Community Spirit

WHITESIDE COUNTY, Ill.--Like the emergency room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.Join the nearly 4 million dedicated Red Cross blood donors across the country and make an appointment to give by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Whiteside County

Feb. 2 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

Feb. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fulton High School, 1207 12th St. in Fulton, Ill.

Feb. 6 from 2-6 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Feb. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD No. 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.

Feb. 12 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. in Sterling, Ill.

Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.