Chicago Police Hold First Blood Drive Since Pandemic

The department's annual blood drive, its first since before COVID-19, supports three officers and is open to the public at large.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy

Empty donation chairs beside a tall window looking onto a brick and limestone Chicago facade under soft daylight. — The Chicago Police Department hosted its annual blood drive Tuesday, its first since before COVID-19, supporting three officers and open to the public. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Chicago Police Department hosted its annual blood drive on Tuesday, the first held since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The drive is aimed at helping the public at large and supports Cynthia Rivera, retired Sgt. Kathie Park, and Commander Federico Andaverde III.

Why it matters

The event reflects members wanting to give something back, and it gives Chicago residents a direct way to support local blood supply. Its return signals the department resuming community-focused events after the pandemic.

Officer Yvette Lozano-Renteria has served 27 years with the department and is assigned to the police academy, while each supported officer has nearly three decades of service. The number of donated units and total turnout were not reported.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The Chicago Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency serving the city of Chicago, Illinois, and the largest police force in the state.

Bryan Spreyne

Bryan Spreyne is a deputy chief of the Chicago Police Department who donated blood at the department's drive on Tuesday.

The details

CPD Deputy Chief Bryan Spreyne donated blood on Tuesday alongside other members. Officer Yvette Lozano-Renteria, who has donated blood more times than she can count, was among those participating in the drive.

Tuesday: CPD annual blood drive held, its first since before COVID-19

Philanthropy Context

The drive resumes a community blood donation tradition the department paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, its first since before restrictions began. It returns the department to the kind of charitable, member-organized giving it sustained before the disruption.

Chicago residents seeking to donate can take part in future department-hosted blood drives or contact local blood donation centers. The drive is open to the public at large, offering a direct way for readers to help support the blood supply.

The takeaway

Regular blood donation helps keep hospital supplies stocked, and community drives like this one make giving easy to start. Readers can check local donation options to find a convenient time to give.