American Red Cross of Illinois

American Red Cross of Illinois The American Red Cross of Illinois serves over 12.4 million people in 88 counties across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri through a network of five chapters.

At just six years old, Ben Jarvis needed multiple blood transfusions during surgery for hydrocephalus, lifesaving donati...
08/01/2026

At just six years old, Ben Jarvis needed multiple blood transfusions during surgery for hydrocephalus, lifesaving donations that stayed with him forever.

Inspired by the strangers who helped save his life, Ben became a proud blood donor at 19 and went on to give seven gallons over the years. But in 2024, everything changed when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, leaving him unable to donate.

The new challenge did not stop Ben from helping, he turned his hope outward, encouraging others to give the lifesaving gift he once relied on. His family stepped up in a big way, launching a Red Cross blood drive in his honor. The community responded with incredible compassion, collecting more than 50 donations.

🚨 Ben’s story is a reminder that the need for blood never stops. The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, and some critical blood types have fallen below a one-day supply. Help make sure patients receive lifesaving medical treatments.

📲 We need you! Book and appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

In an instant, the unexpected can happen and transfusions may be the key to someone's survival. As a blood or platelet d...
08/01/2026

In an instant, the unexpected can happen and transfusions may be the key to someone's survival. As a blood or platelet donor, you can have an incredible impact on patients during their most challenging moments. Can patients count on you?

Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

07/31/2026

♥️ “Thank you to the blood donors who saved me. Because of you, I am alive.”

When Monique Gamboa faced a life‑threatening medical crisis, blood donors carried her through every step, through transfusions, surgery, and the moment she finally returned home to her husband and two children.

Today, Monique donates every 56 days to give back, and she hopes her story inspires others, especially within the Latino community, where type O blood is common and urgently needed.

This mother's plea is a reminder of how every blood donation makes a difference.

🚨 The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, and some critical blood types have fallen below a one-day supply. Help make sure patients receive lifesaving medical treatments.

Make your appointment to donate. Use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your donation.

From opening shelters and serving warm meals to offering emotional support and recovery assistance, our Red Cross teams ...
07/31/2026

From opening shelters and serving warm meals to offering emotional support and recovery assistance, our Red Cross teams have been standing shoulder to shoulder with emergency officials and community partners to help families impacted by recent storms and tornadoes.

To our incredible volunteers: thank you. Your willingness to show up for neighbors in their hardest moments embody the very best of who we are as Red Crossers.

For everyone affected, please know this, you are not alone on the road to recovery.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, our shelter is open and ready to help:

📍 Louis Sherman Community Center | 3501 Hopkins St., Steger, IL

At our shelter, you'll find:

🏠 A safe place to stay
🍽️ Meals and snacks
🔋 Charging stations for electronic devices
🤝 Access to information, recovery support and community resources

📲 For anyone affected by these storms and in need of support, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The nation is facing only the second blood crisis in American Red Cross history.Blood donations have fallen to a four-ye...
07/30/2026

The nation is facing only the second blood crisis in American Red Cross history.

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, and the supply of type O positive blood has dropped below a one-day supply. Despite thousands of donors stepping up, hospitals still need more blood to care for patients facing trauma, cancer, surgeries and other medical emergencies.

One simple way to make a lifesaving difference is by donating at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Summer Blood Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Just three more donors at every blood drive this summer could help stabilize the nation's blood supply and ensure blood is there when patients need it most.

📍 Brookfield Zoo Chicago
🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Make your appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Every donation has the power to save lives.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Will and southern Cook counties whose lives were impacted by this week's devastating to...
07/30/2026

Our hearts go out to everyone in Will and southern Cook counties whose lives were impacted by this week's devastating tornadoes.

We are incredibly grateful to volunteers like Tom, who answered the call without hesitation and quickly mobilized to help their neighbors. Since the storms struck, Tom has been on the ground assessing damage, checking on affected families and working alongside fellow Red Cross volunteers to provide shelter, meals, comfort and hope to those beginning the long road to recovery. His compassion and commitment, along with the dedication of so many volunteers, reminds us that no one has to face a disaster alone.

Thank you, Tom, for your selfless service and for making a difference when your community needed you most.

Inspired by Tom's example? Join the American Red Cross as a volunteer and help provide hope, comfort and support to your community when disasters strike. RedCross.org/Volunteer

♥️ Finding Hope After the Storm When a powerful storm swept through Waukegan, Illinois, Michael and Marcos did what any ...
07/29/2026

♥️ Finding Hope After the Storm

When a powerful storm swept through Waukegan, Illinois, Michael and Marcos did what any parents would do, focus on protecting their family. But when strong winds tore off the roof of their apartment building, they and dozens of neighbors had to evacuate with no warning. They say that in those first moments, uncertainty was overwhelming because the situation felt unreal. They didn’t know where they would go or how they would get through the night, until they heard a Red Cross shelter had opened. Relief came almost immediately.

“We don’t know what we would have done if the Red Cross didn’t have the shelter available to us. We felt supported knowing we had a safe place to sleep. But most importantly, we didn’t feel alone. We want to thank the Red Cross and the volunteers for their kindness and for all they did for us,” said Michael Cermeño.

♥️ To our volunteers: thank you for showing up with compassion, comfort, and humanity. You are the heart of our mission, and your kindness turns fear into hope for families facing their hardest moments.

📲 If you or someone you know has been impacted by these storms and needs assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

When disasters turn lives upside down, Red Cross volunteers answer the call bringing hope, comfort and compassion to peo...
07/29/2026

When disasters turn lives upside down, Red Cross volunteers answer the call bringing hope, comfort and compassion to people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Please join us in thanking Ken Ciolino from the Illinois River Valley Chapter and Shari Grider from the South & West Central Illinois Chapter, who have deployed to Oregon to help families impacted by devastating wildfires. We also extend our gratitude to Ed Samson from the Greater Chicago Chapter, who has traveled to Guam to support disaster relief efforts for communities recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, and to Trish Rappaport from the Greater Chicago Chapter, who deployed to Indiana to assist residents whose lives were upended by devastating tornadoes.

These remarkable volunteers left the comfort of home to serve people they have never met offering not only emergency assistance, but also reassurance, kindness and hope when it is needed most. Their willingness to help, no matter the distance, reflects the very best of the American Red Cross and demonstrates the extraordinary impact one person can have.

Thank you, Ken, Shari and Ed, for your selfless service and unwavering commitment to our humanitarian mission. The Illinois Region is incredibly proud of you, and we wish you safe travels as you bring hope to communities in need.

Inspired by their example? You can make a difference, too. Whether responding to disasters, supporting blood drives, installing smoke alarms or helping your neighbors prepare for emergencies, there's a place for you at the American Red Cross. Join our team of compassionate volunteers and help deliver hope when it matters most.

RedCross.org/Volunteer

Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground in Cook, and Will counties, working alongside emergency officials and commu...
07/29/2026

Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground in Cook, and Will counties, working alongside emergency officials and community partners to help families affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes. From opening shelters and providing meals to offering emotional support and recovery assistance, our teams are there to help people begin the road to recovery.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, our shelters are open and ready to help:

📍 Louis Sherman Community Center | 3501 Hopkins St., Steger, IL

At our shelters, you'll find:
🏠 A safe place to stay
🍽️ Meals and snacks
🔋 Charging stations for electronic devices
🤝 Access to information, recovery support and community resources

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers and partners who continue to answer the call to help neighbors in need.

📞 If you or someone you know has been impacted by these storms and needs assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Address

2200 W Harrison St
Chicago, IL
60612

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:45pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:45pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+13127296100

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when American Red Cross of Illinois posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to American Red Cross of Illinois:

Shortcuts

Share