This January, the American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors of all blood types are needed to help save lives this month.

The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now. Additionally, cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.

Now more than ever, your donation can make a lifesaving difference. Consider rolling up your sleeve to help ensure patients receive the care they need this winter.

Blood donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood, the most needed blood group by hospitals are needed now to give blood to help meet daily hospital demands. If you are healthy and feeling well, we encourage you to come out to give blood during the Great Chicago Blood Drive. To schedule an appointment, donors can visit redcrossblood.org. Enter sponsor code: ABC7Chicago. Donors can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

This year’s blood drive is a two-day event on January 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Below is location information:

January 14

• THE MART - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
• Mokena Community Park District at the Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center - 10847 W La Porte Rd, Mokena, IL 60448
• Highland Parks and Recreation - 2450 Lincoln St, Highland, IN 46322

January 15

• Highland Parks and Recreation - 2450 Lincoln St, Highland, IN 46322
• Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago - 1800 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Imani Village - 901 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
• Foglia YMCA - 1025 N Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LX giveaway. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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