We are stronger together! Established in 1943, Versiti Blood Center of Illinois (formerly Heartland Blood Centers) combines the strength of blood centers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio with state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories, physician services, and a world-renowned Blood Research Institute. Your blood will always stay local first, but now we will have even more access to rare and unique blood types to help meet the needs of Illinois hospital patients in need. Together, with you, we promise to continue our mission: we are a beacon of hope.
Everyone was very polite and welcoming. Every step was explained and made me feel completely at ease
KS
Kari S.
Oct 20, 2025
5.0
The Aurora location is really great! Everyone is kind & helpful.
PP
pieguy3
Oct 11, 2025
5.0
Very Nice People There.
TK
Travis Kinley
Sep 20, 2025
5.0
Always enjoy trying to help the world. The employees and technicians at Versti are always friendly and Professional. This particular time coming to give they gave me an eight gallon pin. Over my lifetime I’ve given 8 gallons! That’s a lot of blood!
JY
Juanita Yanez
Aug 27, 2025
5.0
Team was awesome! I love the communication they all bring to the table! Thank you for the great snacks and drinks! Love how they all check on me before, during and after donating!
Frequently Asked Questions About Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
Do you pay donors?
The FDA does not allow us to pay our volunteer donors to help protect and keep the blood supply safe. However, we do sometimes give incentives to our donors as a thank you for your time and donation. At the end of the day, helping save the lives of local patients is the greatest gift anyone could receive!
Are donor center and blood drive staff required to wear a face mask?
Effective March 20, 2022, masks will not be required in our donor centers due to lower COVID cases in our communities and current CDC recommendations. Masks may be required at a community blood drive if located in a facility that requires them or per host request.
Can I donate blood if I've received the COVID-19 vaccination?
There is no wait period for receiving a COVID vaccination.
Is it safe to donate blood?
Yes, donating blood is completely safe. You cannot contract any diseases from donating blood. A sterile kit is used once to collect your blood and is then thrown away. Versiti is committed to the safety of our donors.
What happens to my blood after I donate?
After we collect your blood, it is sent to Versiti labs for testing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all donated blood undergo a series of lab tests before it is given to patients. We perform 15 separate tests on each unit of donated blood, which includes tests for sexually transmitted diseases, West Nile virus, hepatitis and other illnesses. If a unit of blood passes all these tests, it is safe for patients.
How long does it take to give blood?
The process for donating whole blood takes about an hour from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave. This includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments. Collecting one unit of whole blood only takes about 10 minutes; however, you can expect to spend more time donating products like red cells, platelets and plasma (also known as apheresis procedures).
Does donating blood hurt?
Donating blood does not hurt, though you might feel a pinch when the needle first goes into your arm. In that moment, think about the patients you're helping who rely on the generosity of people like you to feel healthy. You may experience discomfort for a few seconds, but you'll have the lasting reward of knowing you saved a life.
What services does Versiti Blood Center of Illinois offer?
Versiti Blood Center of Illinois offers blood donation, plasma donation, platelet donation, and volunteer opportunities.
What are the operating hours of Versiti Blood Center of Illinois?
The center is open Monday from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM; Tuesday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Is it safe to donate blood at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois?
Yes, donating blood is completely safe. Sterile, single-use kits are used for each donor to ensure safety and prevent disease transmission.
Does donating blood at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois hurt?
Donating blood may cause a brief pinch when the needle is inserted, but the discomfort is minimal and temporary, with the reward of helping save lives.
Do donors get paid at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois?
No, the FDA does not allow payment to volunteer donors, but donors may receive incentives as a thank you for their donation.
Do I need to wear a face mask when visiting the donor center?
As of March 20, 2022, masks are not required in donor centers due to lower COVID-19 cases and CDC guidance, but may be required at community drives based on location or host request.
Can I donate blood if I have received the COVID-19 vaccination?
Yes, there is no waiting period after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination before you can donate blood.
How long does it take to donate blood at Versiti Blood Center?
Donating whole blood takes about one hour including registration, screening, donation, and refreshments; apheresis procedures take longer.
What nearby medical facilities can I visit along with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois?
Near Versiti Blood Center, you can visit Heartland Blood Center, Aurora Urgent Care NOW, and Dreyer Medical Clinic among other health providers, offering convenient access to medical care.
Are there healthcare specialists near Versiti Blood Center for follow-up care?
Yes, specialists like oncologists Madhavan Chitra S MD and Jyoti Swaroop Kalra, MD, gastroenterologists Sakshi Sahni, MD and Janaki Patel, MD, and many others are nearby for specialized medical care.
How can nearby professional services complement my visit to Versiti Blood Center?
Nearby professional services like Triplet's Security Training Academy provide unique opportunities for training and education, which might interest some visitors to the area.