(Waupun) Waupun Memorial Hospital, a member of SSM Health, will be hosting a community blood drive next month. Officials with the healthcare provider say the drive, which is through ImpactLife, is open to the public. Masks and appointments are required. Those who do donate, will get their choice of a St. Patrick’s Day themed shirt or a gift card.
The drive comes amid an historic nationwide blood shortage. Laura McGuire is with the Red Cross Wisconsin Region. She says (quote)…“we cannot stockpile blood, it does have an expiration date”…“so it might seem like the Red Cross is always out there looking for blood, and that’s because there’s a constant need.” She adds that blood goes out the door every single day, and it comes in the door every single day.
McGuire says for a variety of reasons, the number of donors is down about 10-percent, which is forcing doctors to make difficult choices. Donations take about an hour and can be done safely, although the Red Cross does ask that you delay donating if you have had COVID exposure or a positive test.
The blood drive in Waupun is on February 15th between 11am and 2pm. Healthcare officials suggest eating a healthy meal and to drink plenty of water before donating. To sign up visit bloodcenter.org or call Sharee at 563-823-4128. Participants are asked to bring a picture ID.
