WC Wisconsin News

Tomah Health and the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are urging local residents to donate blood at an upcoming two-day drive scheduled for September 17 and 18 in Tomah. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Tomah’s Recreation Park, located at 1625 Butts Ave.

Garron Bowers, a representative for Versiti Blood Center, emphasized the importance of community participation in these drives. "Blood drives play a vital role in ensuring that hospitals and patients have the lifesaving blood they need every day. Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is proud to partner with Tomah Health to strengthen the local blood supply and make a direct impact on the lives of patients and families across Wisconsin," said Bowers.

Versiti Blood Center supplies blood to more than 60 hospital systems throughout Wisconsin, including Tomah Health and the Tomah Veterans Affairs Medical Center, as well as several other facilities in the Coulee Region. Bowers noted that donations collected during these events are critical for trauma victims, cancer patients, and others who rely on donated blood: "Every donation collected at these drives will help trauma victims, cancer patients, and countless others whose lives depend on the generosity of blood donors."

To be eligible to donate blood, individuals must be in good health, at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and present photo identification. The entire process typically takes about an hour, with the actual collection lasting around ten minutes.

Residents interested in participating can register online for either day of the drive.