Cold and flu symptoms are driving away blood donors, but members of the UWM community can help defeat the blood drain this Monday when the BloodCenter of Wisconsin (BCW) hosts a campuswide blood drive in the UWM Union Ballroom. The center’s donor cancellation rate has doubled in the last two months as the cold and flu take hold in Southeastern Wisconsin. The result is a blood supply that is 20 percent below normal.
“Every year the cold and flu season has a negative impact on our donation efforts,” says Crystal McNeal, public relations manager for BCW. “But this cold and flu season has made a prevalent impact and we’re looking for more donors than usual.”
The BloodCenter of Wisconsin UWM Campuswide Blood Drive runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m in the UWM Union Ballroom. As the only provider of blood to every community hospital in Southeast Wisconsin, BCW is looking for a minimum of 110 donors who are in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and arrive at the Nov. 23 blood drive with a photo I.D.
For maximum convenience and minimum wait time, donors can register online (see below) to receive a donation time of their convenience.
“Walk-up donors are welcome on Monday,” says McNeal, “but we strongly encourage donors to register online or call to make an appointment.”
Donors should arrive at the drive well rested, hydrated and not terribly hungry. A variety of nourishing snacks, water and juice will be provided to help donors get their blood sugar levels up after donating. Pizza Shuttle pizza will be provided, free of charge, to all donors from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
BCW and UWM have strong ties, including a research partnership between the center and UWM Professor of Electrical Engineering David Klemer, M.D. Researchers from both institutions are working on a low-cost biosensor that holds the potential to identify molecular markers of platelet diseases, like Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia. The disorder can cause serious complications – including fetal death – for women experiencing their first pregnancy.
The research partnership is ongoing, and the center and UWM also are working on blood donation advocacy, community outreach and blood drives for 2010.
If you, or someone you know, has benefited from a blood or platelet donation – or has helped to save a life by making a donation – UWM and BCW would like to hear your story. Please contact University Communications &Media Relations at alm5@uwm.edu
To register for the Nov. 23 Campuswide Blood Drive, or to get more information:
