Diana Gerke Director | Tomah Memorial Hospital Inc.
Diana Gerke Director | Tomah Memorial Hospital Inc.
Harsh winter conditions and a rise in illnesses are affecting local blood collections. In response, Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are urging residents to donate blood during a two-day drive on March 12 and 13 at Tomah’s Recreation Park.
“Harsh weather in addition to seasonal illness takes a tremendous toll on blood usage and donations,” said Emalea Cogdill, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin account representative. “While 37% of the population is eligible to donate blood, only 3% actually do. Donations are the only way hospitals can care for patients that need blood products,” added Cogdill.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Tomah’s Recreation Park, located at 1625 Butts Ave., Tomah. Eligible donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and have photo identification. Sixteen-year-olds may also donate with parental consent. The whole blood donation process typically takes about one hour, with the actual collection lasting around ten minutes.
Versiti Blood Center serves as the sole blood supplier for over 50 hospital systems in Wisconsin, including Tomah Health.
To encourage participation, Cogdill mentioned an additional incentive: “All attempting donors who donate with Versiti at a donor center or mobile drive in March will be entered to win a trip to Hawaii.” One donor will be randomly selected on or around April 2 for this prize, which includes a five-night stay in Honolulu for two people, round-trip flights, hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the hotel, and a $300 Visa Gift Card.
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