Published by Kirby Winn on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in News Releases
Leaders from ImpactLife took part in a news conference held by the Illinois Association of Blood Banks in the State Capital on Thursday. Noting that just three percent of the eligible population gives blood, the news conference was organized to salute Illinois blood donors and to encourage others to join their ranks. The Office of Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton supported the cause by hosting a blood drive at the State Capitol Visitors Complex on Thursday, where more than 50 volunteers signed up to give blood.
“Blood centers nationwide and right here in Illinois are in critical need of blood products every single day. Only three percent of eligible donors actually donate, and this is an important way we can lead by example and help save lives,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I’m proud of every state employee who took part in our third annual blood drive and want to thank ImpactLife for making it possible.”
Tiffany Mathis-Posey, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois, shared her story of receiving a lifesaving blood transfusion after she experienced bleeding from surgery.
download .mp4
Mathis-Posey spoke to the long-term impact made by blood donors who helped save her life.
download .mp4
First Lady MK Pritzker spoke in the news conference to thank and encourage blood donors, saying “I am truly grateful for – and inspired by – the donors, organizers, and staff who have made the Lieutenant Governor’s third annual blood drive such a success. Giving blood is a safe, quick, and easy way to transform a life and I encourage all Illinoisans to make the selfless decision to donate.”
download .mp4
State Representative Maurice A. West, II (D-67), Assistant Majority Leader joined the news conference to thank the generous, volunteer donors who choose to help others by giving blood. Leader West recently introduced a bill to establish a tax credit for those who give blood four or more times in a year.
download .mp4
Grace Hou, Deputy Governor for Health & Human Services, thanked donors for stepping forward because blood transfusions cannot come from any other source.
download .mp4
U.S. Blood Donation Statistics (America's Blood Centers)
The Illinois Association of Blood Banks encourages all citizens of Illinois to learn about blood donation and schedule regular appointments to give blood throughout the year. The Association includes ImpactLife (www.bloodcenter.org), Rock River Valley Blood Center (www.rrvbc.org), Versiti Blood Center of Illinois (www.versiti.org), and Vitalant (www.vitalant.org).
ABOUT IMPACTLIFE
ImpactLife's mission is to save lives by engaging donors, supporting partners, and advancing medicine. Founded in 1974, ImpactLife supplies blood products and services to hundreds of hospitals, emergency services organizations, clinical researchers, and other blood centers throughout Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The nonprofit blood provider is ranked among the leading 12 blood suppliers in the United States. For more information on current blood inventory levels, our donor promotions, and more, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
-end-