Donate the gift of life: Milwaukee Police, Fire Departments host community blood drive Friday

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department are hosting a community blood drive on Friday, July 29th.

Blood donations decrease in summer months. Unfortunately, the summer season is often when the need is the greatest to treat accident victims and others in emergency situations — which makes the need for O negative blood all the more critical.

The public is invited to stop by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Academy (6680 N. Teutonia Ave.) gym between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

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.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (877-232-4376)

All attempting donors will receive one (1) free ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair which runs from August 4th through the 14th.