Lake County Gazette

As the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of schools and businesses, a significant challenge emerged in collecting blood donations safely. Schools, with their large spaces like gymnasiums and cafeterias, provided an opportunity to host blood drives while maintaining social distancing. New Trier High School responded to a request from the Red Cross to serve as a host site early in the pandemic, establishing a partnership that continues today.

New Trier now serves as a community host site for monthly blood drives each year, contributing to saving thousands of lives. The Red Cross collaborates with New Trier to schedule these events around school breaks and days off to minimize disruption. Blood drives are held at the Northfield Campus cafeteria located at 7 Happ Road. Donors are advised to park in the south parking lot and enter through the courtyard gate. Both New Trier and the Red Cross adhere to strict safety protocols for blood collection, handling, and cleanup before and after each drive.

Upcoming dates for New Trier's blood drives include Monday, February 17; Friday, March 28; Friday, April 18; and Friday, June 20. Interested donors can sign up online for these events, which typically run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information from this article can be found here.