A Campaign Inspired by A Daugther
Inspiration is limitless. It can be found in TV shows, in parks, or among family members. Versiti Blood Center‘s latest campaign, “A Stage for Life” was inspired by Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin Chief Marketing Officer Gretchen Jameson’s teenage daughter. Her daughter, a Milwaukee Ballet student, posed the question, “Why not a ballet Blood Battle?” According to a press release, Versiti has held successful college and athletic competitions to boost blood donations in the past.
Versiti is a national leader in blood health innovation, formed to improve patients’ health and enable the success of healthcare partners.
A Stage for Life collaborates with local arts organizations and cultural institutions through blood drives and other events. This initiative highlights the shared values of art lovers and blood donors to inspire first-time donors and encourage ongoing support. According to the American Red Cross, about 30% of the American population can donate blood, but only an average of 3% actually donate.
“[Blood is] one of those things we can’t manufacture,” said Jameson. “People need people…the need is every day…because it goes that fast. You get [the blood] to the hospital [and] it’s used.”
Jameson added that people can regularly donate every 56-60 days. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one blood donation can save up to three lives.
To start the campaign, Versiti and Milwaukee Ballet partnered through the inaugural Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive, which took place on March 21, 2025, at the Milwaukee Ballet. During the special event, blood donors were offered a BOGO ticket for the performance of Milwaukee Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, which runs from April 11-13, 2025.
“We want to give back to support others when we can,” said Milwaukee Ballet Managing Director and Chief Advancement Officer Tai Paul. “…the needs are so great that people are always looking for creative ways for people to reach others.”
How to Prepare to Donate Blood
Here are some tips from Jameson for those who want to donate blood.
- Drink lots of water days leading up to the donation. Hydration is key.
- Have a well-rounded diet.
- Don’t go running or out for drinks after donating.
Milwaukee Community Resource Center
Along with connecting with other partners, Verisiti opened the doors to its Milwaukee community resource center inside ThriveOn King in late 2024. According to the Milwaukee Courier, it’s a first-of-its-kind permanent blood center and community resource center of Versiti. The center serves families living on Milwaukee’s Northside and includes a community health navigator. All Versiti staff are now trained at the center to ensure culture-competent work is being done from the inside out.
The center is located in the 53206 zip code. Jameson said the zip code alone needs around 5,000 blood units a year just for the sickle cell patients in that area. Statistics like these are further proof of the need for blood donations and the importance of community partnerships. Jameson said they also have a focus on getting diverse blood because less than five percent of the white population contains the Ro trait in their blood, which is a “beautiful gift for sickle cell patients”.
“This is work that is for all and by all for our community,” said Jameson.
