Blood donors offered free State Fair tickets amid Red Cross shortage

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- All donors who attend the Fire and Police Academy Blood Drive on July 26 will receive a free State Fair ticket.

The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee Safety Academy located at 6680 N Teutonia Ave. in Milwaukee.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Donation does require a photo ID that includes your date of birth.

The American Red Cross has been facing a blood shortage since July 4, and issued an emergency call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and prevent delays in medical care.

According to the senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services, the Red Cross currently has less than a three-day supply. They need a five-day supply to be prepared for emergency situations.

To help meet this need, Red Cross has added about 8,000 additional appointments at blood donation centers and community blood drives over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. 

Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is also encouraged, to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

For a complete list of upcoming blood drives in your area, click here.