January is National Blood Donor Month

Do you have it in you? Blood, that is!  Why, yes, yes you do!  But, do you have it in you to get out and donate this month? We hope so. The need is high, especially in our area.  January is National Blood Donor Month, which highlights the critical need for blood during winter when donations tend to decline. The month of January has been labeled National Blood Donor Month since 1970.

Who is eligible to Donate Blood?

To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 year olds may donate with parental consent.) You must weigh 110 pounds or more and be feeling well on the day of donation (free from cold and flu symptoms). Have a photo ID ready.  Donors may not have had hepatitis after 11 years old and have no risk factors associated with HIV.

What happens at the Blood Donation Visit?

In short, you will fill out some forms and have a private interview about health history. They will take your vitals and check your hemoglobin level through a finger pick. If eligible, the actual donation takes about 10 minutes. After a pint has been collected, you will get a bandage and some snacks and a drink. You can leave after 10-15 minutes to normal activities.

On a Personal Note

After writing this post last year I decided to face my fears and give blood (if I could write an article telling others to do it, how could I sit home and not donate out of fear). So I did! It didn’t take long (under 45 minutes total parking lot to parking lot time) and I handled the needle part just fine. In fact I signed up to give more often! Our daughter was born in November and her birth mom ended up needing 2 bags of blood.  I am grateful to all who give.

$10 to Noodles & Company 

If you need even more incentive to get out and donate this month, besides all the good you are doing, Noodles & Company has partnered with the Blood Center of Wisconsin to give $10 Noodles gift cards to those who donate at a BCW donor center or select BCW mobile blood drives while supplies last. In total, Noodles & Company donated $150,000 for this initiative – how amazing! The coupons are valid with a Coca-Cola Freestyle purchase and are redeemable through Noodles & Company’s mobile app only by Feb. 11, 2018.

Donors can schedule an appointment at bcw.edu or by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376).

Where to Donate Blood

There are several blood drives going on in our area this month.  See master list below organized by date.

• To find and schedule a donation through the Blood Center of Wisconsin, go to bcw.edu/donate or call 1-877-232-4376. There is a donation Center in Waukesha.
• To find and schedule a donation through Red Cross, you can use their free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call them at 1-800-733-2767.

Plus, this interesting article on all things blood related. 

Blood Drives in Lake Country in January 2018

AURORA/WAUKESHA

W231 N1440 CORPORATE COURT WAUKESHA, WI 53186

Wednesday, January 17, 2018  | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Note: See link.

New Berlin Public Library

15105 Library Ln New Berlin, WI 53151

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2018 | 01:00 PM- 06:00 PM

Note: Open to the community and walk-in donors welcome anytime!

American Legion

201 S Water St Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM- 06:00 PM

Shepherd of the Hills

N36W24130 Pewaukee Rd PO Box 802 Pewaukee, WI 53072

Thursday, Jan 18, 2018 | 01:00 PM- 06:00 PM

Note: Get a coupon for a free 6 inch sub from the Picnic Basket & a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s!

Waukesha Blood Donation Center

Midwest Engineered Systems Inc

W238N1700 Rockwood Drive Waukesha, WI 53188

Friday, Jan 19, 2018 | 09:00 AM- 02:00 PM

Note: Located in Dogtopia building. Receive a coupon for a free 6 inch sub from the Picnic Basket!

University Lake School

4024 Nagawicka Road, Hartland, WI

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 | 01:00 PM- 06:00 PM

Note: See link. Donate blood in January and get a coupon for a Free entree at Noodles & Company (with a Coca-Cola Freestyle Purchase)! Friends and Family Welcome! Refreshments Served. Any questions contact joseph.niemczyk@universitylake.org. Donors must be 16+. If you are 16 you need parental consent.

Stone Bank Fire Department

W335N7107 Stone Bank Rd. Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 | 01:00 PM- 06:00 PM

Note: Get a coupon for a free 6 inch sub from the Picnic Basket & a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s!

Waukesha Blood Donation Center

Christ United Methodist Church

112 Hall Street Watertown, WI 53094

Monday Jan 29 AND Tuesday Jan 30, 2018 | 12:00 PM- 06:00 PM (M) and 10:00 AM- 04:00 PM (T)

Note: Sponsored by Steve’s Southside Citgo Service Station

Lebanon Elementary School

W4712 County Rd O Watertown, WI 53098

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2018 | 02:30 PM- 06:30 PM

Watertown Regional Medical Center

125 Hospital Drive Watertown, WI 53098

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2018 | 09:30 AM- 02:30 PM

Go out and SAVE A LIFE today! If you cannot donate, consider a financial donation American Red Cross or the Blood Center of Wisconsin.