Mark your calendars for an important event: The Great Chicago Blood Drive is set for January 14th and 15th, with ABC 7 and the American Red Cross collaborating to offer six accessible donation sites over the two-day period.

The American Red Cross reports that while approximately 62% of Americans meet the criteria to donate blood, a mere 3% actually participate in donation annually. This is a significant concern as, every two seconds, there is a demand for blood or platelets across the United States.

Dr. Timothy Carll, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, explains that in Illinois, individuals aged 17 and older can donate blood if they pass a health screening questionnaire. Routine checks on height, weight, and vital signs are also performed. “Blood donation typically involves giving around half a liter, or a pint, of blood, necessitating a minimum weight of 110 pounds to ensure donor safety,” Carll notes.

However, certain conditions may prevent some individuals from donating blood.

READ MORE | 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive kicks off in January | Sign up to donate

According to Carll, “Individuals with transmissible viral diseases such as hepatitis and HIV are currently ineligible to donate blood in the U.S. Additionally, your medication or travel history might lead to a temporary deferral.”

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.