Help save lives! Donate blood at Declaration for Donations Blood Drive; get ticket to State Fair

MILWAUKEE -- BloodCenter of Wisconsin will host the 15th annual Declaration for Donations Blood Drive Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

As a token of gratitude, all attempting donors will receive a ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair (Aug. 4-14).  Complimentary child care, parking and picnic food will also be provided.

Significant summer need

Blood donations decrease in summer months, particularly around the Fourth of July holiday.  Unfortunately, the summer season is often when the need is the greatest to treat accident victims and others in emergency situations.  Summer can often mean higher numbers of traumas than we see at other times of the year — which makes the need for O negative blood all the more critical.  Call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit www.bcw.edu/declarations to make an appointment.

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.  Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome.  The entire process takes about an hour.  Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.