By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jun 26, 2020 at 4:30 PM

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, the national blood shortage has dipped to dangerous levels. Since March, over 600 blood drives have been canceled in the State of Wisconsin, creating a vital need for donations.

"The blood supply has reached crisis proportions," said Versiti Chief Medical Officer Tom Abshire, M.D., in a news release. "The unprecedented shift in the environment has created the ‘perfect storm’ resulting in a national blood shortage, which is also impacting our local communities."

This shortage means Versiti may become unable to provide its hospital partners with the usual supply of blood products they need to treat patients. Because of this, Versiti has declared an emergency need for blood donations. 

In response, the Harley-Davidson Museum will be hosting two blood drives on both July 1 and 2.

Wednesday, July 1 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
The Garage at Harley-Davidson Museum, 500 W. Canal St.
Make an appointment to donate

Thursday, July 2 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
The Garage at Harley-Davidson Museum, 500 W. Canal St.
Make an appointment to donate

In addition to observing strict cleaning and disinfecting procedures, Versiti requires all employees to wear cloth face coverings, as well as donors. Donors are asked to wear face coverings as well.

"The Harley-Davidson Museum is thrilled to play a role in helping the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin as they work to fight a nationwide blood shortage," noted Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum and a VISIT Milwaukee Board Member in a release. "We encourage everyone to consider visiting our campus to help save lives during this critical time."

Harley-Davidson Museum will say thank you to each donor by providing a complimentary admission ticket to the museum, 10% off a purchase of $25 or more at The Shop and $10 off $30 at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. Post-donation snacks will be provided by Levy Cares.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.