MASH Blood Drive is today

The annual MASH Blood Drive is being held today, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at the Northwoods Veterans Post, 601 N. Johnson St. in Merrill. Stop down between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The blood drive is located inside the Northwoods Veterans Post.

All presenting donors will receive a t-shirt and lunch/refreshments. The Community Blood Center (CBC) is partnering with VFW Post 1638 again this year and will make a monetary donation for every unit of blood collected.

This year’s t-shirt for all presenting donors is a special shirt, a part of a larger summer initiative for CBC, the Summer Tour for All Types (CBC). CBC is making stops in various communities it serves from Chicago to Northcentral Wisconsin, the Fox Valley, and Northwoods as a part of STAT. The summer months are a particularly challenging time for blood collection as people become busier and donating blood isn’t always a top priority. In addition, recreational traumas and injuries can lead to an increased need for blood. STAT aims to provide communities with fun, engaging and community-focused blood drives to help maintain a reliable supply of all blood types this summer. CBC’s MASH events are a part of the STAT.

“Every summer, we are faced with urgent needs for blood and are working hard to find new ways to attract donors and encourage those eligible to donate,” said John Hagins, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Community Blood Center. “The reality is that one in seven people entering a hospital will need blood. That could be an expected or routine blood need or an unexpected trauma or emergency situation. Whatever the reason, we must ensure that blood is available. Patients are relying on the generosity of local blood donors. Merrill MASH is a great opportunity to help.”

Community members can schedule a blood donation at Merrill MASH at communityblood.org/mash or by calling 800.280.4102.

If a donor can’t make Merrill MASH, there is still another opportunity to donate at Wausau MASH on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at the Man of Honor Clubhouse. Visit communityblood.org/mash to learn more.