On Monday, December 23rd, Holy Cross Hospital will host a blood drive from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the hospital auditorium located at 2701 W. 68th Street, Chicago, IL. This blood drive will help replenish the blood supply needs of the Heartland Blood Centers.

Founded in 1943, Heartland Blood Centers were one of the first independent blood centers in the nation, and today supports the needs of 33 hospitals in Northeast Illinois and Northeast Indiana. Heartland Blood Centers must collect 166,000 pints of blood each year.

Donated blood is used in critical treatments such as transfusions and trauma incidents. Since extracted blood has a short shelf-life, blood bank shortages continue to be an incessant problem.

To schedule an appointment, call (773) 884-4621. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are welcome. For donor eligibility, call (773) 884-4621. More information about the blood donation process can be found at the Heartland Blood Centers website www.heartlandbc.org.