Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are looking to area residents to donate blood heading into a busy time of year. “As we head into Memorial Day later in May and the unofficial start of summer, we are relying on the generosity of volunteer blood donors to give the gift of life,” Versiti Blood Center account representative Emalea Cogdill.
Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center have teamed up on a two-day blood drive May 1 & 2 from noon to 5 p.m. at Recreation Park, 1625 Butts Ave., Tomah.
“Blood donations in May will help to replenish the supply after the Memorial Day weekend so patients receive the blood they need when they need it,” said Cogdill.
She said the summer kick-off of the Memorial Day weekend places extra stress on the blood supply with increased travel and summer breaks that often lead to higher blood usage. “Every blood drive is focused on making sure that we are providing enough blood products to our hospital partners,” said Cogdill
As an extra incentive, Tomah Health marketing director Eric Prise said all attempting donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of frozen custard courtesy of Culver’s of Tomah. “We appreciate the support from Culver’s of Tomah and their ‘Give a Pint, Get a Pint’ program as a small way to thank our donors.”
To donate blood, a person must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have photo identification. Sixteen-year-olds may also donate with parental consent. While the process for whole blood donation usually takes about one hour, the blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes.
To register for the May 1 drive, CLICK HERE
To register for the May 2 drive, CLICK HERE
Versiti Blood Center is the sole blood supplier to over 50 hospital systems in Wisconsin including Tomah Health, the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and other hospitals in the Coulee Region.