BloodCenter of Wisconsin, together with the La Crosse Speedway and La Crosse Radio group, is encouraging La Crosse residents to get out and give blood at this year’s La Crosse 200 Community Blood Drive Tuesday, June 23 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24 at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza.

According to Dan Gordon, of BloodCenter of Wisconsin, “The goal of the La Crosse 200 Community Blood Drive is to get everyone in the community to understand the importance of volunteering to give blood, and to collect over 200 units of blood for the patients in Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, as well as hospitals in 28 other Wisconsin counties.

In 2008, our community generously donated 14,645 units of blood for patients. You never know when you, a friend or a loved one may need blood. It’s easy to give blood, and we need everyone in our community to consider donating. It feels great to be able to help others. One pint of donated blood can help up to three people.”

Tom Bolden of Kendall, Wisconsin adds, “I may only be 17 but I’ve already given blood twice, thanks to one of my older sisters who has been my inspiration. When she was young, her tonsils burst unexpectedly and she needed 5 units of Type O blood to survive. When she turned 18 and could donate blood she did it without a thought because of her childhood experience. I guess you could say it was her way to thank someone else for saving her life. Now, I’m following in her footsteps, and donating blood, it’s becoming our family tradition!”

Anyone who is at least 16 years old, weighing a minimum of 110 lbs. and who is in generally good health can donate blood. The entire process takes about an hour and all blood types are needed. Donors should bring a photo ID. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-442-
5663 or visit www.bcw.edu/LAX200.

BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a private, non-profit organization widely acclaimed as one of the top transfusion medicine organizations in the world and a leader in diagnostic testing of blood, blood research and blood collection. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise.