Waukesha County Cares Community Blood Drive Week Aims to Address Dire Blood Shortage July 27 - August 2
Waukesha County and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are partnering to meet a critical need for blood donations. The Waukesha County Cares Community Blood Drive Week Honoring Healthcare Heroes will take place at a variety of locations July 27 – August 2, 2020.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of local blood drives,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “That’s impacting the blood supply to local hospitals, who need it to provide critical live saving care to patients every day. We are hoping that by hosting a blood drive week we can inspire more residents to donate and help save lives.”
“The physicians, nurses, and every medical professional and first responder who worked tirelessly and sacrificed during this pandemic, saving countless lives, deserve a show of gratitude,” said Versiti CEO Chris Miskel. “So we’re asking the community to join us in paying tribute through the gesture of blood donation. I personally extend my deepest thanks to Versiti’s hospital partners in Waukesha County – Advocate Aurora Healthcare, Ascension Wisconsin, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin and ProHealth Care – these are tremendous organizations with extraordinary individuals. Let’s thank them together with this week-long tribute.”
Waukesha County and Versiti hope to see more than 200 donors during the Waukesha County Cares Community Blood Drive Week. Blood donors are encouraged to bring thank you cards which will be presented to Waukesha County hospitals and first responders.
Versiti also recently announced that the FDA has revised the guidelines for several groups of individuals. That means there are now more people who are eligible to donate. Members of our military community who were stationed in Europe in the 80s and 90s are now eligible to donate, with NO deferral time. The FDA has also relaxed the deferral period to 3 months (from 12 months) for individuals with recent tattoos and body piercings, people who have received blood transfusions, transplant or graft from another person and those who travel to a malaria endemic area.
In order to create a safe environment for all, donors and Versiti staff are required to wear masks during the donation process. To help manage social distancing, donors are strongly recommended to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be seen as group size allows. Appointments can be made online at bit.ly/waukeshacares and searching WAUKESHA, or by calling 877-232-4376.
Waukesha County Cares Community Blood Drive Week Honoring Healthcare Heroes dates, locations and times:
Monday, July 27th – 3 pm – 7 pm, Waukesha North High School
Tuesday, July 28th – 1 pm – 4 pm, Waukesha West High School
Wednesday, July 29th – 8 am – 1 pm, Waukesha County Courthouse
Thursday, July 30th – 2:30 pm – 7 pm, Prairie Elementary School
Friday, July 31st – 8 am – 12 pm, Waukesha County Expo Center
Saturday, August 1st – 8 am – 12 pm, Waukesha County Expo Center
Sunday, August 2nd – 8 am – 12 pm, Waukesha County Expo Center
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 www.versiti.org/wisconsin
About Waukesha County
The mission of Waukesha County government is to promote the health, safety and quality of life of citizens while fostering an economically vibrant community. We are committed to delivering effective, high quality programs and services in a courteous and fiscally prudent manner. More information is available at www.waukeshacounty.gov.
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