The hallways at New Trier's Northfield campus are empty of students this summer, but on Monday, July 27, the building is open to anyone eligible to donate blood. New Trier High School District 203 is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The drive comes two weeks after the American Red Cross declared what it called its second-ever national blood supply crisis, issued July 13 after donations fell to a four-year summer low. The national blood supply dropped nearly 25% during June, according to the Red Cross. Type O-positive blood, the most commonly transfused type, has fallen below one day's supply nationwide, and the organization has begun limiting distributions to individual hospitals.
Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in the July crisis declaration that "blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories, especially type O blood, remain under significant strain."
The Red Cross cited extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illness as factors driving down donor turnout this summer. The organization also pointed to a structural gap: school blood drives disappear when classes end. New Trier's summer drive partially fills that void.
Red Cross distributions to hospitals are running roughly 3,500 units per week above expected levels during the crisis, according to the organization's emergency declaration.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Northfield campus. Donors can also schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
North Shore community and culture week ahead: July 27–August 4
Monday, July 27 — Wilmette. Village Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m., 1200 Wilmette Avenue. Open to the public.
Tuesday, July 28 — Wilmette. Family Storytime, 9:30 a.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave. Free.
Wednesday, July 29 — Northfield. Northfield Market & Music, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road. Food vendors, live music, farmers market. One of the final events in the summer series.
Saturday, August 1 — Wilmette. French Market, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Metra parking lot, 722 Green Bay Road. Weekly through October 31.
Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2 — Wilmette. Wilmette Art Fair, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wilmette and Central Avenues. More than 100 juried artists, live music, food trucks, Kids Art Zone. Free admission. Wheelchair-accessible.
Tuesday, August 4 — Winnetka. Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District Board Special Meeting, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Lloyd Room, Winnetka Library, 768 Oak Street. Agenda: proposed TIF district in Northfield. Open to the public.
