July 9 blood drive in the heart of Wrigleyville aims to welcome more than 350 donors.

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is excited to once again partner with the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation to host a blood drive at American Airline Conference Center at Gallagher Way next to Wrigley Field on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Helping to meet the need for blood donors during the critical summer months, the organization hopes to welcome more than 350 donors to potentially save up to 1,050 lives.

“We are grateful for the partnership of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation and their unwavering support of blood donation,” said Amy Smith, area vice president and director of donor services operations, Versiti. “Summer is a challenging time for blood donation, and we encourage those who are able to join us on July 9 to help save a life in our local community.”

“As long as there is a need for blood, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation volunteers will remain committed to giving voluntary blood donations,” expressed WeLoveU representative, John Power. “We are happy to spend another year working together with Versiti and we hope that these blood donations can help to save many lives.”

As a token of gratitude, donors and volunteers will receive A Versiti water bottle and a customizable sticker set.

Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-786-4483 or visit Versiti.org.

What to know about blood donation

• Every two seconds, someone needs lifesaving blood to survive. One donation can save up to three lives.
• The donation process, including registration and testing, takes about an hour. Because your body constantly replaces blood and fluids, blood donation doesn't take a major toll on the human body.
• There is no substitute for blood donation — blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from volunteer donors.
• Roughly 40 percent of Americans can donate blood, but only about 3 percent do so.
• Blood donation can help patients of all ages who are victims of traumatic accidents, patients of organ transplants, or fighting through diseases like cancer.

All blood types are needed, with types O-positive and O-negative most in demand. O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.

Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

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About Versiti Blood Center of Illinois

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Aurora, IL., that specializes in blood products and services and provides expert medical and technical support. Founded in 1943, it is the oldest blood center in Illinois and serves patients at more than 85 hospitals in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. It operates 12 donor centers and conducts nearly 2,200 blood drives annually at area hospitals, churches, businesses, schools and community centers. To learn more, visit versiti.org.

About the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation

Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001 — which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of the global village. Through the initiatives of emergency relief, education, environmental protection, health, international aid, and community well-being, the Chairwoman’s example of giving a mother’s love has spread from the east to the west and planted itself in more than 50 countries to inspire a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.