Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin Hosts 20th Annual Season of Giving Blood Drive

Milwaukee – Dec. 23, 2020 – Blood donors have an opportunity to top off the holiday season by donating one of the most precious gifts of all at the 20th Annual Season of Giving Blood Drive. It takes place Monday, Dec. 28 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee County Zoo Peck Welcome Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee.

Blood donations are especially needed this time of year, when donations tend to go down because of additional family commitments. Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is a critical need for O negative donors who carry the universal blood type given to patients in emergency situations.

“The need for blood never ends, and it is a critical need,” says Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical officer at Versiti. “Now more than ever, Versiti Blood Centers needs people to step forward for their community and save a life by donating blood. In a year like 2020, when so much feels out of our control, the selfless act of blood donation lets you make a life-saving gift for free.”

Every two seconds, someone needs life-saving blood to survive. While medical technology has provided many life-saving discoveries over the years, there still is no substitute for blood, making it essential to hospitals every day of the year.

During the drive, Versiti will also be collecting COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) from eligible donors who’ve been pre-qualified. COVID Convalescent Plasma is a blood-related therapy used by hospitals to treat the most severely affected patients. The donated plasma contains antibodies, which can help seriously ill patients fight the infection.

Due to COVID-19, safety precautions will be in place, including social distancing and mandatory masks. COVID-19 antibody tests are being performed on all donations as part of Versiti’s standard testing. The test will inform the donor if they have antibodies reflective of a prior COVID-19 infection.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit https://www.versiti.org/seasonofgiving. Appointments are preferred, but walk-in donors are also welcome. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.

About Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Milwaukee that specializes in blood services, esoteric diagnostic testing, organ, tissue and stem cell donation, medical services and leading-edge research. We advance patient care by delivering life-saving products and services. For more information, visit versiti.org/Wisconsin.

 

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.