Milwaukee County Zoo offering free same-day admission, parking and two free Summerfest tickets in exchange for blood donations

MILWAUKEE (June 13, 2023) — Join the American Red Cross at the Milwaukee County Zoo Blood Drive Monday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the zoo’s Peck Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Road. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

All presenting donors will receive free same-day zoo admission, parking, and two free tickets to Summerfest, while supplies last.

The Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.

The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar. An adequate supply of blood is critical for people waiting for lifesaving care.

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood and more than 2,600 platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.

Blood donors of all types are needed. There is no substitute for donated blood products.

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.

“Once a blood donor, always a lifesaver,” said Mark Thomas, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Wisconsin. “You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason. Whatever your reason, the need for blood is constant and you will feel good knowing your donation can help save lives.”

The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. In thanks for helping ensure a strong blood supply, those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package, including a projector, screen and smokeless firepit. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.