The Great Chicago Blood Drive is scheduled for January 14th and 15th, offering an opportunity for community members to contribute to a vital cause. ABC 7 has partnered with the American Red Cross to set up six accessible donation sites over the two-day event.

The American Red Cross reports that although around 62% of Americans meet the criteria to donate blood, only a small fraction, about 3%, actually participate each year. Meanwhile, the demand for blood or platelets is relentless, with someone in the U.S. requiring them every two seconds.

“In Illinois, individuals aged 17 and above are eligible to donate if they pass a health screening questionnaire,” explained Dr. Timothy Carll, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. “Donors undergo routine checks for height, weight, and vital signs because the donation involves a standard amount, about half a liter or a pint of blood. To safely donate, individuals must weigh at least 110 pounds.”

There are, however, certain criteria that may disqualify someone from donating blood.

READ MORE | The 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive begins in January | Register to donate

“Patients who are living with transmissible viral illnesses such as hepatitis and HIV currently cannot donate blood in the United States. In addition, depending on your medication or travel history it’s possible you could be temporarily deferred,” Carll said.

Jerry Johnson is living with sickle cell disease; a blood disorder that requires him to get periodic blood transfusions.

“Basically it’s a blood disorder where the red blood cells are shaped in a moon crescent shape. And as they pass through joints and every part of your body they can become stuck in places and then create pain,” Johnson said.

He was diagnosed as a child and says he’s had more than 100 transfusions over the years.

“Blood transfusions help to actually kind of push that blood flow through…it just really helps to build your capacity to deal with things,” he says sickle cell disease can take away a person’s energy.

To sign up for the 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive, click here.