August 4 blood drive at Dirksen Federal Courthouse

Depending on who you ask, somewhere between 38% and 65% of the American population are eligible to donate blood. But there is a consensus that only 3% of the population actually does.

The American Red Cross, which is sponsoring a blood drive at the Dirksen Federal Building on Tuesday, August 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., has declared only its second-ever national blood supply crisis because summer blood donations have fallen to a four-year low. The Red Cross has begun limiting distribution of Type "O positive" blood to area hospitals. The Red Cross says it has less than a one day national supply of this most commonly transfused blood type.

In other words, this is a very well-timed event.

To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code: USdistrictcourt. Not certain now that you'll be able to make it? Walk-ins will also be welcomed. Bring a photo ID or your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID (which you would necessarily have with you anyway if you managed to gain access to the Dirksen Building).