Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin officials are asking area residents to help meet an ongoing need for blood by donating Nov. 19 or 20 in Tomah.
“Blood inventories across Wisconsin are lower than desired, with certain blood types holding less than a two-day supply. These limited reserves underscore the ongoing need for community donors to help maintain the community blood supply,” said Versiti Blood Center account representative Garron Bowers.
Versiti is the sole blood supplier to over 60 hospital systems in Wisconsin including Tomah Health, the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center and numerous other hospitals in the Coulee Region.
“Continued participation from donors ensures that hospitals across the state remain prepared for both everyday needs and unexpected emergencies” added Bowers.
To help meet the need, Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are holding a two-day blood drive Nov. 19 & 20 from noon – 5 p.m. at Tomah’s Recreation Park, 1625 Butts Ave., Tomah.
To donate blood, a person must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have photo identification. Sixteen-year-olds may also donate with parental consent. While the process for whole blood donation usually takes about one hour, the blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes.