American Red Cross of Illinois

08/07/2026

When emergencies strike the communities we serve, working together with valued partners can make all the difference for our friends and neighbors in need!

This week, dedicated members of the South and West Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross participated in a hands-on training event with the 183rd Air Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard in Springfield!

Thank you to all of the volunteers, board members and staff that participated in this important training to help strengthen partnerships before disasters strike!

To get involved in your local chapter of the American Red Cross, visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to learn more!

08/07/2026

Recovery takes time and the Red Cross remains committed to helping families every step of the way.

More than a week after devastating tornadoes struck Will and southern Cook counties, many families are still working to recover from the loss and damage left behind. While the storms have passed, the need for support continues.

Red Cross volunteers remain on the ground, providing shelter, meals, emotional support and recovery assistance to help individuals and families navigate the days and weeks ahead.

If you or someone you know was impacted by the tornadoes and has not yet connected with the Red Cross, it's not too late. We're here to help.

📍 Shelter remains open:
Louis Sherman Community Center
3501 Hopkins St., Steger, IL

At the shelter, you'll find:
-- A safe place to stay
-- Meals and snacks
-- Charging stations for electronic devices
-- Recovery information, Red Cross assistance and connections to community resources

📞 If you need assistance following the storms, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Thank you to our incredible volunteers and community partners who continue to stand alongside our neighbors.

08/07/2026

Helping save lives begins with raising awareness. Thank you to ABC 7 Chicago and Karen Jordan ABC7 for shining a spotlight on the national blood crisis and the urgent need for blood donors across our communities. Your support is helping shine a light on a lifesaving need that affects patients and families across our communities.

Blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come from generous volunteer donors. With donations at a four-year summer low and hospitals facing critically low inventories, every blood donation has the power to save lives.

Patients undergoing emergency surgery, cancer treatment, treatment for sickle cell disease and those recovering from traumatic injuries are counting on all of us.

❤️ Please help us turn awareness into action. If you're eligible, schedule a blood donation today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Together, we can help ensure blood is available for every patient who needs it.

https://rdcrss.org/4fHfrdz

The American Red Cross says low blood donations are at a crisis level.

08/06/2026

No matter where disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers are ready to answer the call. ❤️

A big thank you to two incredible Illinois Region volunteers who are once again deploying to help communities in need across the country.

-Dianne DiBernardino is deploying to the Spokane wildfires, where she'll support volunteer staffing to help ensure response operations have the people power they need.

-Kim Amann is deploying to Wisconsin following devastating tornadoes, where she'll serve in logistics to help deliver the critical resources that make disaster relief possible.

Both Dianne and Kim are experienced disaster responders who continue to step forward when families need help most. Thank you for your dedication, compassion and willingness to serve wherever you're needed. Safe travels, and thank you for representing the Illinois Region with such heart. Interested in getting involved like Dianne and Kim? Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more!

08/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to WTTW - Chicago PBS and Brandis Griffith Friedman for helping shine a light on the urgent need for blood donations during this national blood crisis. We also appreciate Dr. Constantine Kanakis of Northwestern Medicine for sharing his expertise on the critical role blood transfusions play in saving lives every day.

Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Because blood has a limited shelf life, donations are needed every day to ensure hospitals have the lifesaving blood products patients depend on for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, sickle cell disease and other serious medical conditions.

Summer challenges, including vacations, severe weather and other disruptions, have contributed to a significant decline in donations, making your help more important than ever.

❤️ Please roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Schedule your blood donation today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

https://rdcrss.org/4yYxG5I

While hospitals have so far not reported major disruptions to services, more frequent supply shortages show the need for contingency plans.

08/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated at our Brookfield Zoo Chicago Blood Drive! Together, we collected 143 units of blood, meeting and exceeding our goal. Those donations will help ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood during an especially critical time as the Red Cross continues to respond to a national blood crisis.

We're especially grateful to donors like Maria, who chose to celebrate her birthday this week by giving blood. Each year, she marks the occasion by giving back, whether it's volunteering, fundraising or participating in walks and runs for causes she cares about. This year, she rolled up her sleeve to help patients in need. Maria says starting her birthday by giving back sets a positive tone for the year and serves as a reminder of how meaningful it feels to make a difference.

Missed this drive? There's still time to help. Schedule your next blood donation today and be part of the effort to ensure blood is there for every patient who needs it. Visit redcrossblood.org to make your appointment❤️

08/05/2026

When Angelica Green's son needed lifesaving blood transfusions, generous blood donors gave her family something they could never repay—hope.

Each donation helped her son through treatment and reminded Angelica that complete strangers were willing to roll up their sleeves to give a child another chance at life.

Today, families like Angelica's are counting on that same generosity.

For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, and patients may already be feeling the impact. The need is especially urgent for Type O blood, with the supply of Type O positive dropping below a one-day supply, forcing the Red Cross to limit distribution to hospitals.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. For patients battling cancer, recovering from traumatic injuries, living with sickle cell disease or undergoing emergency surgery, blood cannot be manufactured—it can only come from generous donors.

Reflecting on her family's journey, Angelica shared:

"I am so proud of McKinley for stepping up to be a voice for others living with sickle cell. My wish is that his experience will not only shine a light on this disease but also inspire others to be blood donors."

Angelica's story is a powerful reminder that when you donate blood, you're giving so much more than a lifesaving transfusion. You're giving parents hope, families more time together and patients another chance at tomorrow.

❤️ Schedule your blood donation today. Your one donation could be the reason someone else's story is filled with hope. RedCrossBlood.org

08/05/2026

🚨 With summer blood donations falling to a 4-year low, the Red Cross is now facing a national blood crisis. The type O blood supply is most impacted.

➡️ Your help is needed now to avoid surgery delays, postponed cancer treatments & strained emergency care.

Give ASAP: https://rcblood.org/donate

08/04/2026

Prepared communities start with strong partnerships. ❤️

A huge thank you to Baxter International Inc. for bringing together members of its Growing Enterprise Leaders program at its Deerfield headquarters for a volunteer event. Participants assembled solar lamps and power bank kits to support families impacted by disasters while also learning how the Red Cross helps communities before, during and after emergencies.

As an Annual Disaster Giving Program partner, Baxter helps the Red Cross prepare for emergencies before they happen. Their support allows us to train volunteers, pre-position critical supplies, respond when disasters strike and help families begin their road to recovery.

We’re grateful for partners like Baxter that are investing in stronger, more resilient communities every day.

08/04/2026

¡Crisis Nacional en el Suministro de Sangre!

🚨 URGENTE: Se necesitan donaciones de sangre y plaquetas de inmediato.

Por segunda vez en toda su historia, la Cruz Roja Americana ha declarado una crisis nacional en el suministro de sangre y, desafortunadamente, es posible que los pacientes ya estén sintiendo los efectos.

📢 Se pide a los donantes que actúen de inmediato para ayudar a salvar vidas. Ayude a poner fin a esta crisis y a estabilizar el suministro de sangre.

👉 Programe una cita para donar sangre hoy mismo, visite RedCrossBlood.org/espanol o llame al 1-800-733-2767.