Tomah Health’s blood drive still on for March 26

TOMAH, Wis. (WKBT) – Most events have been canceled at Tomah Health, but one event — the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin blood drive — is considered so critical that it still will take place from noon to 5 p.m. March 26 now at Tomah High School, officials said.

Donors need not fear coronavirus infection from donating blood, said Dr. Tom Abshire, Versiti’s chief medical officer.

“The donation process itself poses no risk of infecting a donor with coronavirus,” Abshire said. “Coronavirus is currently not known to infect patients through blood transfusions.”

Organized blood drives are necessary to ensure an adequate blood supply, said Eric Prise,  Tomah Health’s marketing and public relations director.

Donors can register for a donation time online at the hospital’s website.

As an extra incentive, everyone who attempts to donate will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s frozen custard from the Tomah Culver’s as part of its “give a pint, get a pint” promotion, Prise said.