Morris Hospital to host community blood drive March 1

Morris Hospital will host a blood drive March 1 in response to the ongoing blood shortage,

Versiti Blood Center will be at Morris Hospital from noon to 5 p.m. in conference rooms 2 and 3 on the lower level of the hospital, 150 W. High St. in Morris.

All blood types are needed. Face masks and a photo ID with proof of age will be required, according to a release from Morris Hospital.

Those who donate will be helping replenish the local blood supply as Versiti supplies blood products for Morris Hospital, according to the release. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with written approval from a parent or guardian) and weigh at least 110 pounds, according to the release. Donors must be in good health and without flu or cold symptoms on the day they donate.

Those planning to donate should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating, according to the release. Plan one hour for the donation. This includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments, according to the release.

To schedule an appointment, call Morris Hospital at 815-705-7386. Walk-ins are welcome.