Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SUPERIOR, Wis. — An American Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by Superior Choice Credit Union and the University of Wisconsin-Superior's International Peace Studies Association will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12, noon-6 p.m., at the University of Wisconsin-Superior in the Yellowjacket Union.
For Jennifer Madsen, the blood drive sponsored by Superior Choice Credit Union, gave her the opportunity to share how the need for blood has touched her family, and why she she is passionate about ensuring blood is on the shelves for patients in need.
Jennifer's niece, Alyssa Jouppi – a 28-year-old wife and mother of four healthy, active boys – is pregnant with her fifth child, Noah. Alyssa was recently diagnosed with placenta percreta, a life-threatening condition where the placenta attaches to the outside of the uterus and bladder. She is scheduled for a high-risk cesarean section on the same day as the blood drive.
Following Noah’s planned premature delivery, Alyssa will undergo surgical removal of the placenta, repair of her bladder and a hysterectomy. Doctors anticipate Jouppi’s surgeries will require multiple blood products.
“Alyssa’s story is exactly why we have blood drives,” said Madsen. “It’s really important to build awareness of the constant need for blood and pay it forward so that Alyssa and others have the blood products they need, when they need them.”
To make an appointment to donate at the Superior Choice Credit Union drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“You never know when you or a loved one will need blood,” said Madsen. “I encourage all eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and give the gift of life so that patients like Alyssa have the chance to enjoy life with their loved ones.”
Every two seconds in the U.S., a patient needs donated blood or platelets for emergencies, surgical procedures or medical treatments. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.