Chicago Southland CVB partners with American Red Cross to host sickle cell awareness blood drive

Lynwood, Ill. – The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau has proudly partnered with the American Red Cross to host a regional blood drive. The blood drive will take place at the Southland Center in Lynwood on Thursday, September 2 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

This blood drive is being held to raise awareness for sickle cell disease. Currently, there are about 100,000 people in the United States with sickle cell, of whom 90% are of African descent. Blood transfusions to those with sickle cell often reduce the risk of complications and symptoms associated with the disease. A close blood type match is essential and is found in donors of the same race or similar ethnicity; one donation saves approximately three lives!

“The Chicago Southland CVB is committed to serving the 62 municipalities we represent, including the individuals who call this wonderful region home. We would like to encourage residents to come out and support the sickle cell patients in our communities,” said Jim Garret, President/CEO of the Chicago Southland CVB.

To donate blood, appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or book online by visiting https://rcblood.org/3hRcvNK. Potential donors may also visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor keyword “LynwoodCVB” to book an appointment. All self-identified African American blood donors will be screen for the sickle cell trait (results arrive in 1-2 weeks) and all donors will receive a free health screening prior to donating. Plus, all donors will receive a digital $10 Amazon gift card as a thanks for giving blood.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination management and marketing organization for Chicago’s 62 south and southwest suburbs. The Chicago Southland CVB nationally markets and sells the Chicago Southland region as a destination for meetings and conventions, group tour, sports events and leisure travel. For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com.