Chad Madson knows the importance of giving blood. The Tomah resident and owner of The Breakroom Sports Bar & Grill in Tomah decided to support the cause and donate blood Sept. 17 during a two-day Tomah Health / Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin blood drive at Recreation Park. “I saw the ad that was online from Tomah Health that they were doing the blood drive, and decided to help out.”
While Madson had donated blood in the past, it was the first time at a Versiti / Tomah Health drive. “It’s a very small thing that you can do that would make a huge impact in someone’s life. So I mean, there’s no reason not to. If you have the time seeing one of these events, pop in,” said Madson.
Versiti is the sole blood supplier to over 60 hospital systems in Wisconsin including Tomah Health, which Madson said helps others. “Obviously it’s of great importance. People need it when there’s an accident or an emergency. There’s a lot of times our boy went through leukemia and he got transfusions from time to time and, you know, it (blood) doesn’t last forever so they always need a new supply.”
Versiti account representative Jackson Braasch said the two-day drive collected blood that will help save 225 lives. “Time and time again, the Tomah community demonstrates what it means to care for its neighbors. No matter the season, loyal donors continue to help ensure patients have the blood they need during some of life’s unforeseen challenges,” said Braasch. “Versiti extends our thanks to everyone who rolled up a sleeve.”
As an incentive, all attempting donors received a coupon for a complimentary beverage from Bruiser & Co. Coffee House of Tomah.
Tomah Health marketing and public relations director Eric Prise thanked Bruiser’s and the Tomah Parks & Recreation Dept. for using the facilities at Recreation Park for the drives. “We are especially thankful to Wes and his staff at Bruisers for their participation and to Parks & Recreation director Joe Protz and his staff for hosting our drives at Rec Park,” he said.
Prise said the next blood drive will also be held at Recreation Park Nov. 18 & 19.