Donna Evans donates blood as a tribute to her father. “My father was a long-time donor. He donated over 40 gallons over his lifetime, so I said, ‘he’s always donated, and I need to give back to the community too,’” Evans said of her decision a few years ago to start donating blood.
The Tomah resident was among 101 donors who provided enough blood products to treat 253 patients during a two-day Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin drive held at Tomah Recreation Park July 17 & 18.
Versiti Blood Center account representative Emalea Cogdill said it was the largest two-day drive since March 2023. “The donors at the Tomah Health drive stepped up to the challenge. We continue to see new donors give and so many loyal donors that donate every nine weeks,” said Cogdill. As an incentive, anyone who attempted to give blood received a free gate admission to the Monroe County Fair July 24-28 courtesy of Versiti and Tomah Health.
Cogdill said they have been challenged with a depleting blood supply since late June. “We had a pretty solid spring. I hate to say, but the rainy weather did help as people weren’t able to be outside, so they were coming into blood drives and donating, which we need going into the summer months because we always struggle in the summer.”
She predicted drives will continue to be challenging until the upcoming fall when families get back into their school year schedules. “We’re always grateful for our generous donors that come and give time and time again,” said Cogdill. “One thing we ask is for donors to tell their family and friends and to invite others to come along and donate with them. What we really need is more businesses, churches, community groups to step up and sponsor blood drives and provide additional opportunities for people to donate.”
Evans said the hospital’s relationship with Versiti is another reason why she donates. “I think that’s great for our community knowing that our blood that we give helps our local hospitals.” Versiti provides blood to over 50 hospital systems in Wisconsin including Tomah Health, the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and other hospitals in the Coulee Region
Donna said she plans to continue donating as long as possible. “I’ll never hit my dad’s 40-gallon goal, but if I could keep helping other people in the community that need blood, that’s kind of what I want to do so as long as I’m able.” She also challenged residents to help the cause. “At least go one time and see what it’s about. I did not think I’d like the needle either, but you’re helping other people and that makes you feel good knowing that you’re able to help.” Area residents should mark their calendar for the next scheduled Versiti / Tomah Health blood drive Sept. 11 & 12 at Tomah Recreation Park.