The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to choose their day to give blood and help ensure a sufficient blood supply in these summer days. Summer is a difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. According to the Red Cross, nearly 90 percent of donors surveyed this past spring said they planned to take a vacation this summer, potentially making them less available to give. There will be some local blood drives coming up in the next few weeks:
Juneau County
Elroy
6/16/2015: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 115, 402 Franklin
Mauston
6/27/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Pauls Lutheran Church, 517 Grayside Ave
New Lisbon
6/18/2015: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 525 S Washington
Monroe County
Sparta
6/30/2015: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sparta Community Center, 1000 E Montgomery Street
Tomah
6/25/2015: 10:45 a.m. – 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 202 E Juneau St
Vernon County
Coon Valley
6/23/2015: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Coon Valley Lutheran Church, 1005 Central Ave
Viroqua
6/29/2015: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 504 South Main
Westby
6/22/2015: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Westby Coon Prairie Church, 500 S Main Street
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.