WC Wisconsin News

Versiti Blood Center donor specialist Chris Powell supervised Oak Moser of Tomah during a blood drive at Recreation Park on July 17. Moser considers donating blood a personal obligation. "I'll be honest, it's a little bit of a feel good for me. You know someday I may need it, so I help out when I can," said Moser, who participated in the two-day event organized by Tomah Health and Versiti Blood Center.

Moser has been donating since college. "It started a long time ago the first time was in college. Since then it's been off and on in the early years, but a little steady over the last 10 or 15 years. So, it's been almost lifelong," he said.

Versiti officials reported that 58 donors contributed during the drives on July 16 and 17, collecting enough blood products to assist 195 patients. Andrew Miller, Versiti account representative, remarked, "Whether it's a mother giving birth, a veteran undergoing surgery, or a child fighting leukemia, there is a person on the other end of each donation. Every single unit collected is a powerful reminder of the impact a community can have when it comes together to care for its own."

Moser expressed surprise that blood donated at these drives supports area hospitals like Tomah Health. "It's great to know that people in our local communities can benefit. That makes it more important for us." Versiti Blood Center supplies blood to over sixty hospital systems in Wisconsin.

To encourage participation, all donors received coupons for free gate admission to the Monroe County Fair scheduled from July 23-27 at Recreation Park courtesy of Versiti and Tomah Health.

Moser plans to continue donating and urges others to do so as well. "I think there's some fear about the process, but it is pretty straightforward and simple. The people that work for Versiti are great. They take good care of you, and it doesn't take as long as you might think and you're helping other people."

Tomah Health and Versiti have planned their next drive for September 16 and 17 at Recreation Park in Tomah.