Versiti, Milwaukee County Zoo team up for Declaration for Donations Blood Drive

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the 22nd year, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is hosting its Declaration for Donations Blood Drive, offering people the chance to help save lives.

The drive, held at the Milwaukee County Zoo's Peck Pavilion, gives the community a chance to help local hospital patients in need during the busy summer months, a time when blood donations are historically low.

"We want to make sure hospitals can serve the patients that need blood," explained Kristin Paltzer with Versiti. "We're coming off an emergency appeal in Wisconsin. We were kind of digging our way out of a critical need for blood and as we head into the heart of the summer months, we know that we are consistently going to need donors so that we have a stable blood supply."

Anyone 17 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for those who are 16-years-old.

Versiti is hopeful more first-time donors will give saving lives a shot, and make it a habit.

"We really need first-time donors to come through our doors and donate blood," Paltzer said. "About 20-percent of our donors are first-time donors and of those 20-percent, 50-percent don't return to donate."

Versiti is offering incentives to donors who attempt to donate over the next two days. Donors will receive free, same-day admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo, a ticket to Summerfest, and entry into Versiti's Ride to Save Lives sweepstakes with the grand prize being a motorcycle.

The drive is Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peck Pavilion. Appointments can be made at Versiti.org and walk-ins are also welcome.