BloodCenter of Wisconsin is seeking blood donations from community individuals to prevent a shortage in blood supply in the face of Thursday’s snow and rain.
BloodCenter had to cancel blood drives and also experienced cancellations of donor appointments because of the winter weather. The cancellations will result in an anticipated deficiency of more than 1,000 units of blood during the next two days which could lead to a shortage for patients in need, the organization said Thursday.
Donors can help by keeping their already scheduled appointments if they can do so safely or by setting up an appointment for Saturday, Sunday or Monday. BloodCenter hours will be extended at locations in Greenfield, Wauwatosa, Brown Deer, Waukesha, Racine and West Bend on Saturday, Dec. 22.
Platelet donations will also accepted by appointments at BloodCenter donor sites in Wauwatosa, Greenfield, Waukesha and West Bend on Sunday, Dec. 23.
BloodCenter must receive 800 donations each day to accommodate the needs of the 56 hospitals it works with in 29 counties in the state.
The organization is preparing for greater need of its services in the coming days in case of weather-related accidents.
To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment and find more information about donor center locations, visit www.bcw.edu/snow or call 1-877-BE-A-HERO.
