Wisconsin blood centers expand hours after Waukesha tragedy, cite continuous need for donations

Blood donors lined up at the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin's Waukesha location yesterday, a day after an SUV drove through the Waukesha Christmas Parade, killing five and injuring more than 40. In response, the non-profit blood center has extended its hours at its Waukesha location and some other Wisconsin donation sites. Those able to donate can schedule an appointment here.

In a tweet yesterday, the blood center cited an ongoing need for donations. "Please consider making an appointment in the coming days as blood donors are continuously needed," it wrote.

Hospital workers say that blood donations tend to slow around this time of the year, and that Sunday's tragedy further stretched the area's blood supply. Donations made in the coming days may not go directly to victims of Sunday's parade, but they will help ensure there is adequate supply for whoever needs it.

Yesterday officials released the names and ages of those killed at Sunday's parade.

• Tamara Durand, 52
  
• Wilhelm Hospel, 81
  
• Jane Kulich, 52
  
• LeAnna Owen, 71
  
• Virginia Sorenson, 79

Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have created  a fund to support families impacted by Sunday’s tragedy. People can donate  here.