Versiti is urging community members across its five-state footprint to donate blood. The blood and blood products provider to approximately 200 hospitals across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, is experiencing an urgent need for donated blood. 

Versiti’s blood inventory was recently depleted due to several organ transplant surgeries at its partner hospitals; procedures that require a large volume of blood. Additionally, Versiti has seen a large quantity of blood donation appointment cancellations and no-shows, which can be common during the summer months. 

The need for Type-O blood, the most universal blood type, is especially critical, but any blood type is accepted. If a donor does not know their blood type, the best way to find out is to sign up to donate. If Versiti does not improve its blood supply, it will be forced to issue an emergency appeal for blood. 

The health and safety of patients who rely on life-saving blood becomes jeopardized when blood inventory levels are low. Hospitals are forced to delay surgeries and critical treatments to conserve its blood reserve. This puts victims of traumatic accidents, patients battling cancer, and even mothers in labor at risk. 

Versiti asks community members who are able, to sign up and donate blood. Opportunities to donate at Versiti mobile blood drives and at its blood centers can be found here. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors who are 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.