Blood donors needed now, especially those with O-negative blood

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is asking donors to help reach a goal of 300 appointments by end of day on Wednesday, June 11th across all of its community blood drives and donor centers. It also has an ultimate goal of seeing 1,500 additional blood donors between June 11 and August 31.

Generous donations have saved the lives of people like 4-year-old Zoe Nuedling who was born with an extremely rare condition called heterotaxy.

She has already undergone 3 open heart surgeries.

"I can`t even describe how incredibly heartwarming it is that people we don`t even know have saved her life," said Zoe's mother Kaleena Nuedling.

The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is teaming up with first responders for its summer blood drive called "You to the Rescue."

"'Many of our patients are in a really critical condition and sometimes the only thing that`s keeping them alive is the blood that we`re giving them and we get this blood from the BloodCenter of Wisconsin," said Flight for Life Paramedic Rich David.

Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. Visit bcw.edu/blood.

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.

IMPORTANT: Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.

Center officials say the demand for blood rises in the summer because more people travel and get into crashes. But supply lags due largely to student vacations.

BloodCenter of Wisconsin supplies blood to 50 hospitals and 29 counties across Wisconsin.