Be a hero - BloodCenter lists local drives

 As flu and low outdoor temperatures keep people away from blood drives and donor centers this winter, BloodCenter of Wisconsin urges healthy individuals to make a blood donation. BloodCenter is hosting drives in Waukesha County and encourages the public to attend.

February drives include: 

• North Prairie from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 312 Main Street. To make an appointment online, go here.     
•  Merton at the Andrea Rodriguez Memorial Blood Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.  at Merton Primary School, N67 W28460 Sussex Rd.
• Wales from  2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 in the Gym at All Saints Lutheran, 705 West Tomlin Rd. (Hwy E-Just West of Hwy 83).    
• Mukwonago from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at The Woodhouse Day Spa, 325 Bay View Rd. All attempting donors will receive 10,000 Woodhouse Points (equals $10) on their spa account to use on services, retail, or gift cards, sponsored by The Woodhouse Day Spa. To make an appointment online, go here.
• Waukesha from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Citizens Bank of Mukwonago, 2109 Corporate Dr. To make an appointment go here or email aford@citizenbank.com.
• Waukesha from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25 at Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church & School, 1941 Madison St. To make an appointment go here or contact Kelly at (262) 547-6740.
• Mukwonago from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at St. John Church Evangelical Church, 410 HY NN West. To make an appointment online, go here.
• Mukwonago from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at Mount Olive Church, 211 Main Street. To make an appointment online, go here.
• Mukwonago from 12 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28 at DN Greenwald Center--Prohealth Care Clinic, 240 Maple Ave. To make an appointment online, go here.            

Donors can also schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or (414) 937-6199. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-ins are also welcome.

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. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date. For more information, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or visit the website.