With a nationwide need for blood, you’re always encouraged to donate, and over the next two months, Door and Kewaunee counties are part of a new Red Cross approach to broaden the donor demographic. Black residents and visitors in Door and Kewaunee counties are encouraged to donate, as the Red Cross of Green Bay says that the majority of sickle cell disease patients are of African descent. Communications Director at the Red Cross of Wisconsin Justin Kern says that blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Kern adds that 51 percent of individuals who are black are type O blood, compared to 45 percent of white individuals. Type O blood also happens to be the most often needed by hospitals. 

Kern notes that you can donate blood wherever is most convenient for you, including when on vacation or away from home. Kern also says that if you donate the blood you get step-by-step updates on the journey of your blood. He says he’s had donations from a southeast Wisconsin hospital wind up at a medical center in Puerto Rico. The new approach doesn’t change the Red Cross message, urging all individuals who can to donate. Kern says that it’s preferred that you schedule a donation ahead of time, and you can learn more about eligibility and sites here. Listed below are upcoming donation sites in Door and Kewaunee Counties.

Door County

Sister Bay

10/5/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2622 S Bayshore Dr

 Sturgeon Bay

10/14/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 229 North 14th Ave

 Washington Island

10/6/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1763 Town Line Rd

Kewaunee County

Algoma

9/21/2021: 1:15 p.m. - 6 p.m., Algoma Youth Club, 620 Lake St

Luxemburg

9/27/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John Lutheran Church, 700 Heritage Rd

10/5/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pilsen Church, E860 Hwy 29

10/5/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pilsen Church, E860 Hwy 29