American Red Cross of Illinois

Give blood on Route 66! The Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage, and we need your help! Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and your generosity can help save lives. ❤️

📅 When: Tuesday, Sept 10
🕐 Time: 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Where: The Event Center, 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, IL 60432

Roll up your sleeve and be a hero for patients in need. Will you join us and make a difference?

🩸 Schedule your appointment today: https://rdcrss.org/3MBcrjA

American Red Cross Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to an emergency. Support the Red Cross. Join us today by making a donation.

As we celebrate , we recognize the dedicated individuals who make blood collection possible – including phlebotomists, apheresis operators, medical directors, donor recruiters, technicians, and drivers for their vital role as the connection between blood donors and patients relying on lifesaving blood.

We are grateful for the extraordinary volunteers who deliver blood products to hospitals and provide the vital link between blood donors and patients in need of blood.

Please help us deliver lifesaving blood to local hospitals. Apply here: https://rdcrss.org/36b8YDv

Los desastres pueden ocurrir en cualquier lugar, en cualquier momento y por lo general, sin previo aviso. Ya sea un incendio en casa de alguien o de una tormenta que destruya toda una ciudad, estas emergencias pueden destrozar vidas en cuestión de minutos. Prepárese para los desastres elaborando un plan para mantenerse a salvo, reuniendo suministros importantes y sabiendo cómo permanecerá en contacto.

Para ayudar a proteger a sus seres queridos, descargue hoy mismo la aplicación «Emergencia» de la Cruz Roja, la cual es gratuita y le puede ayudar a recibir alertas meteorológicas personalizables y consejos de expertos tanto en inglés como en español.

Do you know a hero? Nominate them for a Red Cross Hero Award!

Each year, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago honors community heroes for acts of great bravery, dedication and service. Help us find the heroes among us by nominating your hero today: RedCross.org/HeroNomination

Now accepting nominations in the following 12 categories:
Blood Services, Community Impact, Disaster Relief, Education, Firefighter, Global Citizenship, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Lifesaving Rescue, Military, Social Justice Impact and Youth.

Learn more about each category and requirements by visiting redcross.org/hero

The Red Cross 2025 Heroes will be honored at our Annual Heroes Breakfast to be held at the Hilton Chicago in Spring 2025.

American Red Cross Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to an emergency. Support the Red Cross. Join us today by making a donation.

A majority of Americans think extreme weather poses a risk to their community. That’s why it’s more important than ever to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month this September.

To help protect your loved ones, download the free Red Cross Emergency app today for customizable weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish.

You can also help your community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

Los voluntarios son el alma de la Cruz Roja. El 90% de nuestra fuerza laboral son voluntarios.

Una de las mayores necesidades de nuestro equipo es la disponibilidad de voluntarios bilingües o multilingües. Se necesitan voluntarios para ayudar a llevar los servicios de la Cruz Roja a aquellos que se sienten más cómodos hablando su idioma nativo, especialmente el español. Si habla inglés, español e incluso otros idiomas con fluidez, imagínese el alivio que podría brindar a una persona que no habla inglés y que busca ayuda. Su tiempo, su compasión y sus habilidades lingüísticas ayudan a la Cruz Roja a servir a diversas comunidades.

Póngase el chaleco de voluntario de la Cruz Roja y lleve ayuda y esperanza a su comunidad y a todo el mundo. Para más información sobre nuestros puestos más necesarios, haga clic aqui: https://rdcrss.org/3aR1l87

Cruz Roja Americana Cada 8 minutos la Cruz Roja Americana responde a una emergencia. Apoya a la Cruz Roja. Únete a nosotros hoy haciendo una donación.

The WAND News Blood Drive is underway in Decatur! Stop by before 6 p.m. to provide a blood donation that helps save lives!

Thank you to WAND News Director Rod Hissong for rolling up his sleeve and doing his part to help those in need!

Walk in or sign up by visiting https://rdcrss.org/3ACJQ7f, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App!

👏 A big ¡GRACIAS! to our volunteers, Little Village Community Council, and MIRA USA for helping us Sound the Alarm in Little Village this weekend! ❤️ Our mighty team of volunteers installed over 200 smoke alarms, making families safer from home fires. Thank you for all you do!

September is National Preparedness Month and now is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies. Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies, and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.

🎉 🎉Happy Blood Collectors Week! 🎉 🎉

This week we recognize and express our gratitude to our essential group of blood collectors who tirelessly ensure the blood collection process runs smoothly and for their dedication to the comfort and care of the generous donors who come to give.
❤️ THANK YOU! ❤️

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and urges people to make an appointment to give now to help patients across the country receive lifesaving medical treatments. To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications.

Angelica’s son, McKinley, was diagnosed with sickle cell at six weeks old. Angelica recounts what their life has been managing sickle cell disease and the complications this presents.

“My son has been in and out of the hospital his entire life to manage his pain and has received so many blood transfusions that I've lost count. There were times when treatments became more intense because sickle cell started impacting his organs. I’ve stood next to my son, wishing with all my might to take on his pain and at a loss as to how to help. Establishing blood drives, inviting our community to be blood donors and sharing how sickle cell impacts our loved ones, that’s how I can best help my son and so many others like him.”

Read Angelica's and McKinley's story here: https://rdcrss.org/4fWRRHW

To commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we invite you to schedule a time to donate blood. The blood that runs through our veins can ease the suffering of others — and patients battling sickle cell disease need your help now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

This Labor Day, the Red Cross wants to remind you to keep safety top of mind.

🌭 Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
🐕 Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
🏊 Prevent unsupervised access to water. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers and keep a constant eye for any water dangers such as portable splash pools/slides, buckets and bathtubs.
🧒 Adults should actively supervise children and stay within arm’s reach of young children and new swimmers. Kids should follow the rules.
👀 Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid App and find more safety tips at RedCross.org.

Volunteer of the Week: Joel Koenig of Hoffman Estates

This week we highlight Joel who is nearing his first year volunteering with the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Red Cross. We are grateful for volunteers like Joel who work full-time and dedicate their free time to answering the call for help.

“There are so many ways to volunteer with the Red Cross and it’s work that motivates you to do more especially when you see first-hand how fragile a disaster can make a community, family or individual. I always say, ‘I may not have singing or dancing skills, but I’m very capable and willing to pass out blankets, water, and toys to children, and listen to someone who just lost it all in a disaster like a home fire.’”

Thank you, Joel, for your compassion as you carry out the mission of the Red Cross and for your advice, “I share with volunteers who are just starting: Our Red Cross vests have two pockets, make sure you put a notepad in one pocket and a pack of tissues in the other, you’re going to need both.”

We have a vest, notepad, and a packet of tissues ready waiting for you. Volunteer with us. RedCross.org/Volunteer

Heading to the beach or pool this Labor Day Weekend? Remember to keep a close eye on kids and ensure everyone knows how to swim. A safe day in the water is a fun day!

"Planning a BBQ this Labor Day Weekend? Keep it safe! Always supervise the grill, keep kids & pets away, and never leave it unattended. Let's make this weekend memorable for all the right reasons! 🔥

Labor Day weekend is here, meaning it’s time once again for us to offer you safety steps to take now before summer ends and the busy fall season starts.

🍔 Food Safety: Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing food. Bring hand sanitizer if you don't have access to hand-washing facilities.
🏊 Swim Safely: Make sure no one swims alone and never leave a young child unattended near or, and do not trust a child's life to another child.
🌡️ Beat the Heat: Slow down. Stay hydrated. Spend time indoors.
🚗 Vehicle Emergency Kit: If you have one in your vehicle, check it to ensure everything you need is still there. If you don't, put a kit together

Click here for full details on food and swim safety, how to beat the heat and the list of items to put in your vehicle emergency kit: https://rdcrss.org/47VvPRY

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.

A big 🎉THANK YOU!🎉 to all the blood donors and special zoo 🐦🐍 guests, Jasper and Marcel, who came out to Brookfield Zoo Chicago this week in support of the blood drive! You are making a difference as we continue to face an emergency blood shortage.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, disruptions to the nation’s supply are harder to overcome.

You can help by making an appointment to give blood or platelets or financial donation by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

We are thankful for Brookfield Zoo Chicago employee and loyal blood donor Craig who shows up to be a Hero for Babies. Craig possesses a negative CMV blood type which is critical for babies needing blood transfusions.

Be a hero for patients in need! Join us at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago today -- we're here until 3 PM. To all the blood donors who have already joined us today -- thank you for supporting the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.

📍 Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, in Brookfield.

All pre-registered blood donors will receive:
🐆 Free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children
🚗 Free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot
🎁 A $20 Gift Card by email
🧢 A special edition Red Cross hat (This cap complements the t-shirt presenting donors received in June!)

Walk-ins welcome or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

Don't know your blood type? Several days after donating you'll learn your blood type and where your blood went to help a patient in need.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago blood drive is underway and this fabulous phlebotomist team is ready to welcome you! Walk-ins are welcome!

📅 Thursday, August 29, 2024
🕘 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, in Brookfield.

All pre-registered blood donors will receive:
🐆 Free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children
🚗 Free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot
🎁 A $20 Gift Card by email
🧢 A special edition Red Cross hat (This cap complements the t-shirt presenting donors received in June!)

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

See you at Brookfield Zoo Chicago tomorrow!

📅 Thursday, August 29, 2024
🕘 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, in Brookfield.

All pre-registered blood donors will receive:
🐆 Free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children
🚗 Free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot
🎁 A $20 Gift Card by email
🧢 A special edition Red Cross hat (This cap complements the t-shirt presenting donors received in June!)

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

¡Nos vemos en Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

📅 jueves 29 de agosto de 2024
🕘 9 a. m. a 3 p. m.
📍 Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, en Brookfield.

Todos los donantes de sangre preinscritos recibirán:
🐆 Entrada general gratuita al zoológico el día de la campaña de donación de sangre para un adulto y hasta dos niños
🚗 Estacionamiento gratuito en el estacionamiento del Discovery Center
🎁 Una tarjeta de regalo de $20 por correo electrónico
🧢 Una gorra de la Cruz Roja de edición especial (¡Esta gorra complementa la camiseta que los donantes recibieron en junio!)

Descargue la aplicación para donantes de sangre de la Cruz Roja, visite RedCrossBlood.org e ingrese el código de patrocinador: BrookfieldZoo o llame al 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) para programar una cita.

Isabel, ‘Isa’, was a vibrant young lady fascinated with dancing, singing, Broadway plays, and all things Disney. In 2015, just as she had celebrated her 15th birthday, Isa was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic Lymphoma which she courageously fought for two and a half years. As part of her treatments, Isa underwent countless blood transfusions. Possessing a less common blood type, B+, Isa, and her family faced blood shortages several times.

“Until it happens to you, you don’t realize how critical it is to have a steady supply of all blood types," shares Roberto, Isa's father. “Our journey with Isa opened our eyes to the constant need for blood. Blood shortages are real. We were so lucky that her father, my husband, was able to be a direct donor but we think of the many patients who may not have that same lifeline," adds Vicki, Isa's mother.

Read Isabel's full story here: https://rdcrss.org/4dvhQ7F

The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the country have further complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. Those in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment to give now.

First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). In thanks, all who come to give through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details.

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK: Cindi Schilling

Cindi Schilling has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for over two years. Having worked in the medical field all her life, she was always drawn to the important work the Red Cross was doing. Once she retired, the impact of Hurricane Ida and the tornadoes in Kentucky inspired her to sign up as a volunteer.

Cindi volunteers in various ways: as a blood donor ambassador, at the Chicago Marathon in mass care reunification, and as a duty officer. However, her favorite role is working in disaster as a shelter manager, where she can be there to help people during their most difficult moments.

“I enjoy being there to help people,” Cindi said. “Meeting people in some of their most awful moments and being able to do anything to help them is very rewarding.”

Thank you, Cindi, for your dedication and the significant impact you make through your volunteer work!

Would you like to get involved? Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Cada año, más de 300,000 personas mueren de paro cardíaco repentino en Estados Unidos. Por cada minuto que se retrasa la desfibrilación, la probabilidad de supervivencia de la persona se reduce en aproximadamente un 10%.

Cada segundo cuenta, por lo que es importante que las personas estén capacitadas sobre cómo realizar RCP (Reanimación Cardiopulmonar) y usar un DER (Desfibrilador Externo Automático).

Visite www.CruzRojaAmericana.org para cursos en línea y en persona y no olvide descargar la aplicación gratuita de Primeros Auxilios de la Cruz Roja.

Hot weather is forecast for the coming days, which can be dangerous for your furry friends. We have steps you can take to help your pets stay safe during heat waves.

🐶 🐱 Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
🐶 🐱 Keep all unscreened windows or doors closed so pets don’t fall out of them.
🐶 Trim longer hair, but never shave your dog.
🐱 Brush cats more often than usual to help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
🐶 🐱Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Don’t let your pets drink from the pool, ocean or lake.
🐶 🐱Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.
🐶 Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.
🐶 🐱Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
🐶 Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.
🐶 🐱Make sure your garden plants are safe for pets.

Did you know the Red Cross has a Pet First Aid app? The FREE Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for emergencies as well as everyday pet care in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid.

Download the FREE Pet First Aid app by texting "GETPET" to 90999.

We are incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who routinely raise their hands and show up to help people impacted by disasters big and small!

❤️ Thank you to our dedicated Red Crossers Yasmin Clinton, Phil Rehmer, Lois Murphy, Ruthann Richardson, Michelle Archambeau, David Nicholson, and Val Logan who have been providing shelter, feeding, disaster health services, and disaster spiritual care to dozens of people impacted by a home fire at an apartment building in Chicago earlier this week. Your dedication, warmth, and compassion shine brightly always! 🌟 🌟

Volunteer with us! RedCross.org/Volunteer