Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 17, 2019) — Homecoming is right around the corner, which means it’s time to bleed red and white and join the American Red Cross in helping to save lives at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Homecoming Blood Drive, Oct. 7-9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Upper Carson Gulley Center, 1515 Tripp Circle, in Madison.
All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, and be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Paul Chryst autographed football.
Special thanks to the UW-Madison Homecoming Committee, the Wisconsin Alumni Association and the Red Cross Club of UW-Madison for sponsoring this blood drive and helping to save lives. Over the three days, this year’s blood drive is expected to collect 447 lifesaving donations.
“UW-Madison students, alumni, and staff have done an incredible job coordinating this blood drive and it always helps ensure that we are providing the blood our hospitals and patients need,” said Roxanne Berra, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Badger Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “We’re asking all Bucky fans and alumni to show their school pride by giving the gift of life for patients in need.”
The need for blood is constant. On average, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 donations every day to meet the needs of patients in Wisconsin and across the country. Blood donors of all types are needed. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.