Local blood supply critically low as shortage enters third month
Local blood supply critically low as shortage enters third month
Donors needed ASAP to help local hospital patients
CHICAGO (Sept. 21, 2026) – Patients at local hospitals are counting on blood donors as The Community Blood Center (CBC) faces an ongoing emergency shortage.
Several blood types are at only a two-to-three-day supply on hand. Last week, one local hospital needed about 20 extra units of blood from CBC donors within just a few hours to meet patient needs.
The blood supply has remained at crisis levels since July due to increased emergency use and fewer donors.
The shortage highlights the vital role community blood centers play in healthcare systems. Approximately 60% of the United States blood supply is provided by independent, nonprofit regional blood centers, including CBC.
“Every donation strengthens our local blood supply and helps hospitals stay prepared for everyday treatments and unexpected emergencies,” said John Hagins, President & CEO of The Community Blood Center. “Right now, hospitals are counting on generous donors to close the gap between the amount of blood patients need and the number of donations coming in. More donors are needed as soon as possible to rebuild the supply.”
Donors can receive a limited-edition t-shirt after logging their donation in Abbott and The Big Ten Conference’s “We Give Blood” competition. The Big Ten school that drives the most blood donations during the campaign will receive a $1 million grant from Abbott to advance student or community health.
Any donor incentive offered as part of this campaign is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and available to individuals who present to donate. For additional information, including a list of available incentives, visit bigten.org/abbott.
Area hospitals are counting on us to fill many available appointments at CBC Donor Centers or mobile blood drives. Schedule a donation today by visiting communityblood.org, using the CBC Donor App or calling (800) 280-4102.
About The Community Blood Center
The Community Blood Center was established in 1955 and continues today as an independent nonprofit providing a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals in the Midwest. CBC has donor centers in Wisconsin (Appleton, Little Chute, Woodruff, Wausau and Green Bay) and Illinois (Chicago). CBC hosts more than 100 blood drives every month. The Community Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and Blood Centers of America (BCA) which are networks of independent community-based, not-for-profit blood centers supporting the blood needs for approximately 60% of the United States.
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