Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Sept. 24, 2018) – To help ensure hospitals have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross invites individuals to be a hero and give blood at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Blood Drive Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Oct. 16-18 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Ullsvik Hall. This year’s event is expected to exceed more than 25,000 donations collected since its inception.
Volunteer donors, those who have not given recently or those who might have never donated before are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood for hospital patients.
The need for blood is constant. On average, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 donations every day to meet the needs of patients in Wisconsin and across the country. Donors with all blood types are currently needed. During the three days, the Red Cross is hoping to collect 584 lifesaving donations.
“It’s important that the Red Cross has a sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of
patients every day and be prepared for emergencies of all types, including those that can require blood transfusions,” said Laura McGuire, external communications manager for the Red Cross Badger Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “When emergencies occur, it’s the blood products on the shelves that help save lives.”
This blood drive comes as Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
The Red Cross encourages blood and platelet donations in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Platelet and type O positive blood donations are critically needed right now.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
While all blood types are needed, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CuzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.