The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) is hosting a blood drive for LifeSource from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the theatre, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

An alarming statistic is that every two seconds someone needs blood. Blood is needed every single day for emergencies, surgeries, medical procedures, and cancer treatments. The need this spring in the Chicagoland area is great.

“If the recent earthquake in Japan reminds us of anything, it’s that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime,” said Greg Maurer, member of the TWS Board of Governors and chairman of the blood drive. “There will always be someone who needs a blood donation. Each donation can save up to three lives.”

Donating blood is safe and simple. The entire process, from registration to refreshments, takes approximately 40 minutes. The actual donation takes about ten minutes as approximately one pint of blood is collected.

Strict procedures for every step of the process ensure the safety of the donor and of the blood supply. All materials, which are used only once, are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable.

You are eligible to donate blood if you:

• weigh at least 110 pounds,
• are in good physical health, or
• have not given blood in the past eight weeks (56 days).
• As of March 2, 2010, LifeSource will no longer be deferring donors who received a tattoo after January 1, 2010 in a state that regulates its tattoo facilities. (Illinois is a regulated state.)

You are not eligible to donate blood if you:

• have had hepatitis (not including childhood exposure),
• are pregnant,
• have ever tested positive for HIV, have engaged in high risk behavior, or have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for AIDS, or
• have Babesiosis or Chagas disease.

You may be temporarily ineligible to donate if you:

• have the flu, a sore throat or fever,
• are taking antibiotics for an infection,
• have had heart problems,
• received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months,
• have been recently vaccinated (time of deferral varies). Flu shots do not disqualify you from donating,
• have had a history of cancer (other than skin cancer),
• lived in or traveled to a malaria area, or
• have recently had a sexually transmitted disease or mononucleosis.

Walk-ins will be welcome, but early registration is recommended. To avoid waiting, sign up for a specific time using the link at the TWS website at: www.theatrewesternsprings.com/tws_blooddrive.php

 For more information, call Greg Maurer at 630-768-7249.