Great Chicago Blood Drive

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7 partnered with the American Red Cross on Monday to host the Great Chicago Blood Drive to help ensure patients have the blood products they need during the winter months.

The final tally of donors who rolled up their sleeves was 684, which surpassed last year's 621 total.

The drive was held at two locations -- the Hyatt Regency-Grand Ballroom in downtown Chicago and the Drake Oak Brook Hotel in Oak Brook.

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The Great Chicago Blood Drive comes at a crucial time since blood donations tend to decline in the winter months.

• Inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can keep eligible donors from giving, creating a greater need for donations during the winter.
• Help ensure patients have the blood products they need this winter by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood at the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive.
• Donors of all blood types are needed, especially types O negative, B negative and A negative blood.

• Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.
• Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in most states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Hosea Sanders is at one of the two donation sites the Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

Today, you can start off your week the right way by helping out in the Great Chicago Blood Drive.

From the city to the suburbs, people are rolling up their sleeves and giving the gift of life.

Dr. Kyle Mack talks about the importance of giving blood.

ABC7 has teamed with the American Red Cross for a big blood drive event

Hosea Sanders speaks with American Red Cross CEO Celena Roldan during the Great Chicago Blood Drive.