Versiti and Advocate Aurora Health Partner to Host Heroes for Moms Blood Drive

MILWAUKEE – Oct. 21, 2021 – Versiti has teamed up with Advocate Aurora Health to host the Heroes for Moms blood drive on Thursday, October 28. Open to the public; the drive aims to raise awareness about the need for blood, especially for individuals who require blood transfusions during childbirth – like drive host Abby Bar-Lev Wiley.

When Wiley was 20 weeks pregnant with her second child, it was revealed that she had placenta previa and placenta accreta. After being closely monitored, she was induced at 32 weeks and told she would need a lifesaving hysterectomy immediately following her c-section. During the procedure, she hemorrhaged and required a blood transfusion, receiving nine units of donated blood.

“October 28 is a special day for my family and me. It’s my baby’s first birthday and my survivor anniversary – a day that I’m here to celebrate because of blood donation,” said Wiley. “Until it happened to me, I had no idea that one of the biggest uses of donated blood is for mothers during childbirth. Because it happened to me, I want to advocate for others and encourage those who are able, to donate blood today. I will never forget the gift of life I received.”

Since 2001, the rate of obstetric blood product transfusion has increased by 33 percent. Additionally, 90 percent of patients with placenta accreta require a blood transfusion, and 40 percent require more than ten units of packed red blood cells. The need for blood is constant, and it must be ready when mothers need it.

To make an appointment for the Heroes for Moms Blood Drive, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit versiti.org. Details below:

Heroes for Moms Blood Drive
October 28, 2021, 7:00AM – 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center – Community Hall
6255 N Santa Monica Blvd.
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
As a token of gratitude, all attempting donors will receive a Versiti gift bag.

Anyone 17 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.