June 20 & 21: Annual Two-Day Event Aims to Help Patients in Need During Busy Summer Months
MILWAUKEE – June 15, 2023 – From the Founding Fathers’ Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Versiti’s annual Declaration for Donations Blood Drive in 2023, summer is a time to make history. The two-day event, June 20 and 21, is an opportunity for the community to give back and help local hospital patients in need during the busy summer months, when blood donations are historically low.
“Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation,” said Dr. Alcinda Flowers, associate medical director at Versiti. “Every donation matters, especially now, when we are seeing fewer donors. We are asking those who are able to make an appointment to donate with Versiti next week at the zoo.”
As thanks for saving lives, all attempting donors will receive free same-day zoo admission and parking, a ticket to Summerfest and entrance into Versiti’s Ride to Save Lives Sweepstakes* for a chance to win a motorcycle.
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 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.
- There is no substitute for blood donation — blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from volunteer donors.
- Roughly 40 percent of Americans can donate blood, but only about 3 percent do so.
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.
*NO PURCH. NEC. MI, OH, IL, IN, and WI residents only; 18+. Ends 6/30/23. One drawing; two (2) winners. Enter by blood donation or online. See Official Rules and online entry form at versiti.org/ride. Sponsor: Versiti, Inc., 638 N. 18th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233.
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About Versiti
Versiti is a world-class blood health organization with locations across the Midwest. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Versiti was formed with a mission of service to improve patient outcomes, advance the field of personalized medicine and strengthen the health of communities everywhere. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve, providing innovative, value-added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases. From research and diagnostic testing to the sharing of lifesaving gifts through blood, organ and tissue donation, the collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes and expanded access to care, advancing the field of personalized medicine. For more information, visit Versiti.org.