STAT community blood drive July 23 at RHS

The Community Blood Center (CBC) is urging community members to join a lifesaving summer tradition by donating blood at the 2026 Hodag Summer Tour for All Types (STAT) community blood drive event. The drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 in the Rhinelander High School commons area.
“CBC must collect hundreds of donations at the event with the potential to help more than 750 local hospital patients during surgeries, cancer treatments, emergencies and more,” organizers said in a press release. “Formerly known as MASH, CBC is proud to continue veteran partnerships. CBC will make a monetary donation to Veterans Groups of Rhinelander for every unit of blood collected, meaning donors support both local patients and local veterans with a single act of generosity.”
“Summer is an especially challenging time for blood collection as vacations and busy schedules lead to fewer appointments,” the release states. “At the same time, a patient in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Traumas often increase with summer travel and activities like sports and boating.”
“Hospital patients don’t take a summer break from needing blood,” said John Hagins, President & CEO, The Community Blood Center. “Only about 3% of eligible Americans donate blood each year, making every donor crucial in maintaining a reliable supply. By donating with friends and family, you help ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood products when every second counts.”
As an added thank you, all first-time donors receive a $25 eGift Card as a welcome to the Lifesaver Rewards program with +1,000 bonus points after presenting to donate. All donors receive a limited-edition T-shirt and breakfast or lunch. Community members are encouraged to schedule a donation at communityblood.org/stat/ or by calling (800) 280-4102.