Summer Blood Drives Set For July

Summertime blood need Blood donation decreases during busy summer months as travel increases and the number of school and community drives decreases. Because of this, BloodCenter encourages donors to make the time this summer to donate. Hospitals, including Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints and Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington, have come to rely on BloodCenter of Wisconsin for a steady supply of blood to treat their patients.

Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date. For more information, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or visit www.bcw.edu. BloodCenter of Wisconsin will host three Racine blood drives in July:

• 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5 at in the Multiproducts parking lot, 5301 21st St. Visit www.bcw.edu/harleydave to make an appointment. The drive is sponsored by the Racine Harley Owners Group.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 7 at Razor Sharp Fitness, 7300 Washington Ave. Visit www.bcw.edu/jkmemorialdrive to make an appointment. This is a Memorial Drive for Jonathan Kwiatkowski.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 13 at in the public meeting room at the Racine County Service Center, Ridgewood Care Center, 1717 Taylor Ave. Visit www.bcw.edu/rce to make an appointment.

Appointments can also be made by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or (414) 937-6199. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors must have a photo ID.