To honor heroes of 9/11, Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are asking area residents to donate blood during a two-day drive Sept. 11 & 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at Recreation Park, 1625 Butts Ave., Tomah.
Officials say there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations. “Blood shortfalls pose a significant risk to our communities as it directly impacts our ability to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, including transplants and trauma incidents,” said Versiti Blood Center account representative Emalea Cogdill. “Every blood drive is focused on making sure that we are providing enough blood products to our hospital partners.”
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
As an extra incentive and to honor the heroes of 9/11, donors will receive a special commemorative T-shirt “Give blood in their honor, be a Beacon of Hope”, while supplies last. “As we reflect upon this historic event, we also remember the patriotic blood donors who stepped up, rolled up their sleeves and gave blood for their fellow Americans in the days and weeks that followed 9/11,” said Cogdill. “We ask residents to stand up for fellow Americans again… the true spirt of America. Please join us in remembrance and answer the call to make a difference.”
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 Sept. 11 drive, CLICK HERE
To register for the Sept. 12 drive, CLICK HERE