Press Release

The ceremony also marked the public launch of Invest in Hope, Versiti’s philanthropic effort to grow discoveries that move blood health forward. As a public beacon of the campaign kickoff, the Hoan Bridge was lit in Versiti colors to signify that hope is rising. Invest in Hope is an invitation for the community to be part of what comes next. When neighbors, business leaders, philanthropic partners, and families invest in research, they help accelerate the path from discovery to care and strengthen the future of blood health not only in Wisconsin, but worldwide.

The expansion will nearly double the VBRI’s research capacity, creating new space to accelerate discoveries in hematology, transfusion medicine and blood disorders. By growing its facilities and team, the VBRI aims to strengthen the pathway from laboratory discovery to patient care for people living with blood cancers, bleeding and clotting conditions, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders.

“Reaching this milestone reflects the shared vision and generosity of so many people who believe in what’s possible through blood research and the lives it can save,” said Chris Miskel, president and CEO of Versiti. “This expansion bolsters our existing footprint to scale the breadth and depth of blood research occurring on the academic medical campus here in Milwaukee. We will continue to attract the best and brightest scientific minds to accelerate the journey toward solutions for patients suffering from blood disease.”

The $79 million project is supported by a combination of donations, private funding, and public investment. The State Building Commission released $10 million to support the expansion, and a federal funding bill signed into law on Feb. 3 includes $3 million for the project.

The new addition is expected to add approximately 100 jobs and generate an estimated $19 million in additional tax revenue for the state of Wisconsin over 30 years. With the expanded footprint, the VBRI plans to grow from 31 principal scientists today to approximately 50 over the next five to seven years.

“Supporting the Versiti Blood Research Institute is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” said Becky Pinter, president and CEO of the MACC Fund. “Seeing this facility take shape shows what is possible when a community comes together around a cause that truly matters. Research at Versiti, as well as Children's Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin, impacts so many. Collaboration is important as we move research forward.”

Invest in Hope is built for community involvement at every level. Supporters can help move discovery forward by: 

• Making a philanthropic gift to support the expansion and the research it enables
• Rallying a workplace, foundation, or community group to invest together 
• Exploring naming opportunities within the new facility 
• Sharing the campaign to help invite more people into the mission 

Every investment helps strengthen the space, tools, and talent needed to advance research that can shape patient care for years to come. 

To learn more. Visit  investinhope.versiti.org.

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About Versiti

Versiti is a national leader in blood health innovation, formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of healthcare partners nationwide. Versiti provides innovative solutions in transfusion medicine, transplantation and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each customer. Together, these efforts support improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care and greater efficiency for healthcare systems. For more information, visit Versiti.org.