Versiti is excited to host the 21st annual Declaration for Donations Blood Drive at the Milwaukee County Zoo on June 30 and July 1. The two-day event is an opportunity for the community to give back and help local hospital patients in need ahead of the fourth of July holiday when blood donations are historically low.

“Unlike our work lives, the need for blood never takes a break,” said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti. "Each blood donation is important, but especially in the summer when we often see fewer donors."

As a token of gratitude, all attempting donors will receive free zoo admission and parking on the day of their donation, one ticket for a future zoo visit, a limited edition “heART of Community” t-shirt featuring artwork from artist Brad Bernard, as well as a $15 e-gift card.

The need for blood continues to escalate as blood donations nationwide remain lower than average. All blood types are needed, with types O-positive and O-negative most in demand. O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.

Giving blood is easy — and essential.

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or by visiting online Versiti.org.

• The donation process, including registration and testing, takes about an hour. Because your body constantly replaces blood and fluids, blood donation doesn't take a major toll on the human body.
• Every two seconds, someone needs lifesaving blood to survive. One donation can save up to three lives.
• There is no substitute for blood donation — blood cannot be manufactured.

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.

A special thank you goes out to the drive sponsors the Milwaukee County Zoo and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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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 lifesaving products and services. For more information, visit versiti.org/WI.