The importance of giving blood is being highlighted by Manitowoc’s mayor.
Justin Nickels visited Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin in Manitowoc yesterday (May 5th) to donate blood for the first time.
Nickels also attended to show the importance of giving blood in the community.
The mayor says his dad always gave blood, and now that he has a son, he wants to make sure he continues the tradition.
Nickels stated, “To be able to have the availability, right here in Manitowoc right off of Reed Avenue, to easily come in when your schedule permits to donate blood, it’s one of the easiest acts we can do as citizens of the community.”
Versiti Supervisor Ashley Ruffner says it’s been tough to get more people to donate blood because a lot of regular donors are starting to fade out, so they are trying to bring awareness that there is no substitute for blood.
She says that while most everyone can donate, there can be some exceptions for those who travel outside the U.S.
“If you traveled outside of the country, sometimes there’s some restrictions there,” she noted. “However, we always tell you to stop in because no matter where you travel, it might be accepted. There are just certain locations, they are not.”
Ruffner says while it’s good to donate for people in need of blood, it’s also good for the person donating.
She describes, “You’re also giving an oil change, per se because it’s making your body produce more blood.”
The blood donated to Versiti will break down into what it can be used for whether it’s red blood cells, platelets, or plasma.
For those interested in donating, Ruffner says drink plenty of water before coming in.
It can take about an hour from start to finish.
The blood center will take walk-ins as well.
