Jason Burkhalter doesn’t mind taking some extra time to donate blood. The Tomah resident made a dual red donation as part of a two-day Versiti Blood Center / Tomah Health blood drive at Recreation Park Sept. 12. “I know there’s a need for blood,” Burkhalter said of his decision to donate.
A double red cell donation is like a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning plasma and platelets to the donor and saving save time. Double red cell donation takes approximately 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation and a person can donate approximately every four months.
Burkhalter said it was the second time he has made a dual red donation. “The first time I was nervous, but they’re very helpful here and walk you right through it. It’s pretty simple, and it wasn’t that bad at all. I’d recommend it,” Burkhalter added.
Blood collected during the Tomah drives helps to support nearly 50 hospitals in Wisconsin including Tomah Health. “Yeah, that was very important to me that it stays in the area. That’s why I decided to come here,” said Burkhalter.
Versiti officials said over the two days, 79 donors gave enough blood products to treat 224 patients at community hospitals. Of the donors that gave, 19 were first time Versiti donors. “It is wonderful to see so many individuals honoring the sacrifices of so many on 9/11 by donating at this 2-day drive,” said Versiti Blood Center account representative Emalea Cogdill. “Giving blood is truly the selfless act of giving a small part of your life to save others. It is not surprising, but always heartwarming, to see the Tomah community step up time and time again to assure that there is a stable and ready blood supply at our local hospitals.”
As an extra incentive and to honor the heroes of 9/11, donors received a special commemorative T-shirt.
Area residents can donate during the next Versiti / Tomah Health blood drive scheduled Nov. 13 & 14 at Tomah Recreation Park. It’s our final drive for 2024!