The American Red Cross of Illinois is proud to announce that local philanthropic leaders and longtime Red Cross supporters Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah have joined a distinguished group of leaders from across the country helping guide the LifeBlood Fund, a five-year, $300 million national effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s blood supply.

As members of the LifeBlood Fund campaign committee, Barb and Keith will help advise on strategy, elevate awareness and inspire transformational support for an effort designed to ensure that patients across the country have access to lifesaving blood when and where they need it.

Their leadership comes at a critical time for the nation’s blood supply. The Red Cross supplies nearly 40% of the blood collected in the United States, but the number of people giving blood has declined significantly over the past two decades as demand continues to grow. The Red Cross projects demand for blood will increase 12% by 2030, while its donor base has declined by 40% over the past 20 years. Extreme weather and other disruptions are placing additional pressure on a blood supply that must be available every day for patients facing emergencies, cancer treatment, complicated childbirth, chronic illnesses and other serious medical needs.

“Keith and I have always believed in giving back in ways that strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Barb Malott Kizziah. “But the challenges facing our nation’s blood supply are very real. Demand is growing at the same time the number of people giving blood has declined dramatically, and we cannot take for granted that lifesaving blood will simply be there when someone needs it. When it is your child, your spouse, your parent or someone else you love waiting for blood, its availability can mean everything. That is why the LifeBlood Fund is so important to us. We are proud to be part of an effort that will help strengthen the people, technology and infrastructure needed to ensure families in Illinois and across the country can continue to count on the Red Cross during moments they never expected to face.”

Through expanded donor engagement, advanced technology and modernized facilities, the LifeBlood Fund will help strengthen the Red Cross capacity to collect, test and deliver lifesaving blood to patients.

Longtime Red Cross volunteers and philanthropists Teresa and Byron Pollitt are co-chairing the national campaign committee and have committed $15 million to launch the effort.

“Despite all of the advances in modern medicine, there is still no substitute for human blood,” said Byron Pollitt. “The Red Cross relies 100% on volunteer, unpaid donors to give blood for the benefit of others, and it’s up to us as individuals and institutions to support the Red Cross effort.”

“Getting blood from a donor to a patient isn’t as simple as people might think. The amount of sophisticated equipment for testing and some of the rare donor programs is a highly technical process that needs a lot of investment,” said Teresa Pollitt. “No one ever knows when the need is going to be there — whether it’s you or a loved one or someone you don’t know — but the need is always there.”

In addition to Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah and Teresa and Byron Pollitt, members of the national LifeBlood Fund campaign committee include Susan Baker, The Betty Bazar Foundation; Erica Dayton, The Golisano Foundation; Elissa Gifford; Tad Hutcheson, Delta Air Lines; Brenda L. Johnson; Teresa Nacarato; and Kevin and Patricia Terrazas.

“Teresa and Byron Pollitt exemplify the very best of volunteer leadership,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Their passion for the Red Cross mission, combined with their strategic insight and generosity, is inspiring others to step forward at a critical moment. With their guidance, this campaign is building the momentum needed to strengthen the nation’s blood supply and ensure that no patient is left waiting for lifesaving care.”

The American Red Cross invites individuals, foundations and organizations to join this effort to strengthen the nation’s blood system and ensure that every patient receives the care they depend on. Learn more about the LifeBlood Fund and schedule an appointment to give blood today. 

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 follow us on social media.