We want to extend our thanks to the thousands of Chicago-area men and women who have so generously rolled up their sleeves as volunteer blood donors the past two months.

In the last year, the blood needs of all Chicago area residents have been met without the need for an urgent public appeal which often occurred in previous years.

Undoubtedly, the Persian Gulf War and the desire to support the men and women serving there have boosted awareness of the need for blood.

In support of those efforts, we have sent 795 units (pints) as of Feb. 21. This is 100 percent of the amount asked of us by the Military Blood Program Office in the Pentagon.

We also want to reassure you we are working very closely with area hospitals to utilize as much of the blood as possible within its 42-day shelf-life.

More than 98 percent of blood which passes all screening and testing guidelines is transfused.

Currently, the blood supply is very adequate. We want people to understand the need for a steady, ongoing supply. In other words, we do not need a “torrent” of donors all rushing in at once.

Even more disastrous would be the slowing of donations to a “trickle.” We must collect 600 units of blood each and every day to meet local needs.

The best news is that if people continue to respond throughout the year as they have been doing the past two months, we will be able to substantially reduce the amount of blood currently being obtained from other areas of Illinois and neighboring states.

Last year alone more than 80,000 pints of blood came form blood donors outside the metropolitan Chicago area. Thank you, blood donors!

J. Daniel Connor

President and CEO

Life Source