The ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive to be held January 11, 12

The 9th annual ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive expands to 7 locations across Chicago, NW Indiana areas

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

It's a record! The 2023 Great Chicago Blood Draw was able to collected 2,272 units of blood thanks to our generous donors.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 9th annual ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive on January 11 and 12 expanded to seven locations around the Chicago and Northwest Indiana areas.

This year we were able to raise 2,272 units of blood over two days. ABC7 would like to thank everybody who came out and donated during this event.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days so the opportunity to mark calendars for January and help save lives by donating blood is now! ABC 7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott and Host/Reporter Hosea Sanders will be part of the station's live coverage once again this year.

The ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive (1 of 20)

"Every year we set our blood donation goals higher and we are grateful and amazed by how our viewers donate to the Great Chicago Blood Drive. It always exceeds expectations, and we are thankful to our partners, the American Red Cross, and to everyone in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. Together we are committed to saving lives, and making a difference through our giving," said John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.

"For many years, the American Red Cross has joined with ABC 7 for the Great Chicago Blood Drive," said Celena Roldán, CEO of the Illinois Red Cross. "This has become the largest Red Cross blood drive in the country and it enables people to give of themselves and help others through blood donation. ABC 7 viewers from all over our city and suburbs come to donate and make an impact. This year the drive will take place across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas in seven locations on January 11th and 12th."

Emery Taylor is committed to donating blood as often as he is able as a way of giving back after getting a double organ transplant that necessitated blood transfusions.

This is the 9th year ABC 7 Chicago and the American Red Cross will have joined forces for the Great Chicago Blood Drive, setting the bar as the largest Red Cross blood drive in the entire country.

Even a pandemic didn't stop the determination of ABC 7 viewers who came out in large numbers to donate. The response to ABC 7's live coverage of the drive was so remarkable that the blood drive will be expanded to seven locations over two days in the Chicago area.

WATCH | Blood donor honors father by encouraging others to give blood

A blood donor is honoring her father by encouraging others to give blood.

Blood donations, especially in the winter months, are critical. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, yet the American Red Cross estimates that only 3 percent of the population actually donates. All blood types are needed and a single blood donation can save more than one life!

Appointments are strongly encouraged. Make yours now at RedCrossBlood.org Sponsor Code: ABC7Chicago As always, people can also call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. They can also make an appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor App which can be downloaded from the app store.

All presenting donors will receive a free ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive t-shirt, while supplies last.

Create new beginnings and energy for those in need. Donate blood with the American Red Cross at The ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive. Again, appointments are strongly encouraged.