Donate blood and receive a free same-day Milwaukee County Zoo admission and ticket to Wisconsin State Fair

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin has partnered with Advocate Aurora Healthcare to host the 20th annual Declaration for Donations Blood Drive hosted at the Milwaukee County Zoo. 

As a token of gratitude, anyone who donates will receive free same-day zoo admission and parking, as well as a complimentary ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair (Aug. 5 – 15, 2021).

The two-day event will take place on Friday, July 2 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Tuesday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Peck Pavilion on the zoo grounds.

“As people enjoy the sun and fun that the summer months offer, blood supplies are at critically low levels,” said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti. “Now more than ever, we are so grateful for our donors and encourage anyone who can to donate. The selfless act of blood donation ensures that blood is available for those facing an urgent health crisis.”

According to a news release from Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, blood donations decrease in the summer months when the need is often the greatest to treat accident victims and others in emergencies. Summer can often mean higher numbers of traumas than at other times of the year – which makes the need for O-negative blood all the more critical.

To make an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or CLICK HERE.

Anyone 17 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. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.