Blood donation

The number of blood donations is the lowest its been in 20 years. The lack of donors means the American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage that could lead to elective surgery cancellations.

It’s no surprise to see an overall decrease in blood donations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the severity of that decline was unexpected.

Local blood banks currently have only a one to two-day supply of type O blood. That's not the norm this time of year.

A spokesman for the blood provider that serves most of the hospitals in the Peoria area says a dip in donations during the week of Memorial Day has significantly shortened supply.

U.S Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, is hoping to lead by example in urging people to donate blood as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacts supply.

The need for donated blood doesn’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic.Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, like the rest of the nation, are…

CHICAGO (AP) - The American Red Cross says blood donations dropped significantly in recent weeks, leading to a severe shortage. The organization is…

The Centers for Disease Control says the Zika virus poses a low risk to the donated blood supply in the country. But one northern Illinois blood bank...