Alis Zellmer wanted to try something new, so she made a double red cell blood donation during the Tomah Health / Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin drive at Tomah Recreation Park, March 12.
Zellmer, who is a clinical exercise physiologist in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Tomah Health, said it was the first time she made a double red donation. “If this can help somebody on their worst day then I can get through a little fatigue or whatever may come; but I feel great,” she said.
A double red blood donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning plasma and platelets to the donor.
Officials say a double red cell donation can be made every 112 days compared to every 56 days for a whole blood donation, or up to 3 times a year. Versiti says double red donations save time and allow donors to give more of the product that is needed most by patients. Not only is it more convenient than donating whole blood, but officials also say many donors find it more comfortable since a smaller needle is used.
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin account representative Emalea Cogdill said the two-day drive held March 12 & 13 collected enough blood products to treat 176 patients. “As the weather gets nicer, days get longer and life gets busier, we have to remember that the need for blood never stops,” said Cogdill. “Spring break season is upon us, and we are seeing a decrease in donations due to vacations in addition to lingering seasonal illness. Every drop counts and we are grateful to be able to treat close to 200 patients as a result of the generous donors from this drive.”
Zellmer said the hospital’s relationship with Versiti is another reason why she donates. “I think it really goes back to the whole motto of Tomah health. We’re constantly working for the community and with the community to better patients and community members whatever way that is, whether it’s a traumatic event or a routine procedure so, doing what I can in any way.” Versiti is the sole blood supplier to over 50 hospital systems in Wisconsin including Tomah Health.
Zellmer was one of nearly 80 people who donated blood during the two-day drive. She plans to continue donating and encouraged others to donate too. “All the workers I’ve ever come encounter with have been so sweet and they really talk you through it. It’s true to say maybe it’s not for everybody, but it’s worth a try.”
Tomah Health and Versiti have scheduled their next drive on May 13 & 14 at Recreation Park in Tomah.