The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) and American Legion Post 24 announced today the organizations will host the inaugural ‘Save a Life Day’ Blood Drive in honor of Veterans Day.
The drive will take place from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6 at the American Legion Post 24, 735 Henry St., Lake Geneva, WI.
All blood donors will receive a pint of custard from Culver’s through the Give a Pint, Get a Pint program. During the drive, community members are invited to participate in a CPR class taught by Aurora Health Care, which will take place from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Following the class, a veteran suicide prevention program will be hosted from 6 to 7 p.m. by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office.
“We are excited to partner with the American Legion and provide an opportunity for donors to give in honor of our veterans,” said Heidi Ognibene, Chief Operating Officer at RRVBC. “With the holidays quickly approaching, we urge individuals to please come in and donate as we continue to face an urgent need for all blood types. You can save a life.”
RRVBC needs 800 donated units of blood each week to keep up with the local demand, and typically loses 150 units during the Thanksgiving weekend due to being closed on the holiday and because donors are less likely to give because of travel and other commitments. The blood already on the shelves is what saves lives, which is why maintaining a sufficient blood supply is essential to ensure patients in need receive optimal treatment.
Donors can make appointments online at rrvbc.org, by calling 815-965-8751 or using the myRRVBC app. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
If you’re a first-time donor, please bring a photo ID. Individuals can donate a single unit (whole blood donation, the most common type) every 56 days.