Brookfield Community Blood Drive Planned For July 28

BROOKFIELD, WI—Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin has declared a statewide emergency need for blood donations. To help replenish its supply and save lives, the organization will hold a community blood drive Tuesday in Brookfield.

“The blood supply has reached crisis proportions,” said Versiti Chief Medical Officer Tom Abshire, M.D. “The unprecedented shift in the environment has created the “perfect storm” resulting in a national blood shortage, which is also impacting our local communities. The blood shortage means we are currently unable to provide our hospital partners with the usual supply of blood products. Patient lives could be at risk, particularly if trauma situations occur, if we are not able to maintain an adequate blood supply.”

Since the start of COVID-19 in March and April, nearly 600 blood drives have been canceled statewide with many schools, businesses and churches unable to hold drives, according to Versiti. This has resulted in a loss of 15,000 blood donations.

The nonprofit's upcoming blood drive will take place inside the cafeteria at Brookfield East High School, which is located at 3305 Lilly Rd. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

To schedule a time to donate, click here. Donors can also call 1-877-232-4376 for additional information. Walk-ins or people who arrive without an appointment could experience wait times.

To ensure donor safety, Versiti has implemented increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures, based upon FDA and CDC guidance, in all donor centers and at community blood drives.

In addition, Versiti requires all employees to wear cloth face coverings as well as donors, when in a Versiti facility. Donors are asked to bring their own face covering if they have one.

Social distancing is also being practiced at all donation centers and community blood drives, and the temperature and clinical symptoms of all potential blood donors is being taken, as well as that of staff members.