Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Dec. 9, 2021) – Give the gift of life. Give blood. Join the American Red Cross and the Milwaukee Radio Alliance at the 10th annual Day of Donations Blood Drive Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tripoli Shrine Center, 3000 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins welcomed as space allows.
As the holiday season continues, the Red Cross faces historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.
To encourage donors to help address the historically low blood supply, all who come to give Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
As a thank you for those attending the 10th annual Day of Donations, all presenting donors will also receive a donor bag with a Marcus movie pass, a coupon for a free Nothing Bundt Cakes bundtlet, a coupon for a free pint of Cedar Crest Ice Cream, and other great gifts from our sponsors, while supplies last. *
With more individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination booster, in most cases, vaccinated individuals can donate blood. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine received is important in determining blood donation eligibility.
“We would never be able to host such a successful drive without the incredible support of the community,” said Mark Thomas, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Wisconsin. “Year after year, the community steps up to the call for blood donations which go toward helping to save lives. We are grateful for those who respond to the constant need for blood donations at such a critical time of the year.”
Make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Special appreciation goes out to the Milwaukee Radio Alliance and their sponsors: Prairie Farms, Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Hennes Services, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Winter Wonders, Glass Shower Door Company, Zach Builders, Bark n’ Scratch Outpost, D&M Heating and Air Conditioning, Marcus Theatres Movie Tavern, Neu’s Hardware Gallery, Gorilly Goods, US Cellular, Buddy Squirrel and Rosen Automotive. We are so grateful for the support of all our sponsors as we fulfill the mission of the Red Cross.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
*Offer applicable to presenting donors only during the following dates Dec. 29, 2021 and while supplies last. Offer subject to availability of donation opportunities in presenting donor’s area. No substitutions and not transferable by presenting donor. Not redeemable for cash. 2021-APL-1096 232501-01-RW.