ST. CHARLES – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) is hosting a blood drive in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. The event will be held in Geneva on Tuesday, September 27th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center (3507 Kaneville Rd.) in Geneva.
“Giving blood can help save multiple lives and is an invaluable way to help your neighbors in need,” said Rep. Ugaste. “I encourage all who are eligible to sign up to give blood this fall and help people in our communities, including trauma victims, surgery patients, premature babies, and people with anemia.”
According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and/or platelets. The blood type that is most often requested by hospitals is Type O and one donation can save more than one life. Individuals giving blood must bring identification—either a driver’s license, state-issued ID, student ID card, or passport, visa, or green card. It takes about an hour for the whole process, but collecting one unit of whole blood takes about ten minutes.
“If you’re afraid of needles, donating blood doesn’t hurt, though you may feel a pinch when the needle first goes in your arm,” Rep. Ugaste advised. “However, you can think of all the patients you’re helping and know the reward of helping save a life.”
Appointments are encouraged and can be made online at: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5602137. Constituents can call (630) 797-5530 with any questions about the event.