BloodCenter of Wisconsin to Host Season of Giving Blood Drive

Milwaukee, Wis. – December 15, 2014 – BloodCenter of Wisconsin, and a local teen, are asking community members to save the day for patients in need at the 14th Annual Season of Giving Blood Drive. Thirteen-year-old Alexis Johnson from Milwaukee and her parents will be on hand to share how blood transfusions provide much-needed treatment for Alexis, who lives with Crohn’s disease.

“When my blood count is low, I need a transfusion to be well enough to receive my Crohn’s medicine, said Johnson. “Blood donors are heroes because they save people’s lives.”

“If the blood wasn’t there, she wouldn’t be here,” said Alexis’ father, Matthew Johnson. Alexis and her parents share their compelling story in this video.

The Season of Giving blood drive takes place Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Peck Welcome Center of the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. BloodCenter hopes to see more than 800 donors during the event.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit www.bcw.edu/season or m.bcw.edu on a mobile device.

All attempting donors will receive:

• Complimentary Zoo admission on the day of the drive
• A complimentary adult Zoo ticket for a future date
• Free parking
• Free childcare

BloodCenter asks that families consider making this special blood drive a new holiday tradition.

Donating blood during the holiday season — a time when donations often decrease — can mean the difference between life and death for many patients.

“We now donate blood on a regular basis,” said Matthew Johnson. “It just makes us feel good that we can help someone else, because we are totally grateful for whoever donated for Alexis.”

Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative donors. Anyone 16 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.

About BloodCenter of Wisconsin

BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter is recognized as the nation’s lead provider of blood to patients with rare or unique blood types through the American Rare Donor Program. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.